Full text of "Diary"
fh the Compliments of
DIARY
BY
INCREASE MATHER,
MARCH, 1675 — DECEMBER, 1676.
TOGETHER WITH EXTRACTS FROM ANOTHER DIARY BY HIM,
1674-1687.
an Entrolntctton anto Note0,
BY
SAMUEL A. GREEN.
IUNJVERSIT
V
DIARY
BY
INCREASE MATHER,
MARCH, 1675 — DECEMBER, 1676.
TOGETHER WITH EXTRACTS FROM ANOTHER DIARY BY HIM,
1674-1687.
Wiify an Introduction anfc Notes,
BY
SAMUEL A. GREEN.
CAMBRIDGE:
JOHN WILSON AND SON.
SSnttorsitg
1900.
INCREASE MATHER'S DIARY.
AT a meeting of the MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL
SOCIETY, held in Boston on Thursday, December 14,
1899, Dr. SAMUEL A. GREEN made the following
remarks : —
More than forty years ago, on March 11, 1858, a valuable
gift was made to the library of the Historical Society by Miss
Elizabeth Belknap, the daughter and sole surviving child of
the Rev. Jeremy Belknap, D.D. It consisted of all the books,
pamphlets, and manuscripts relating to American history that
had belonged to her father, who may be considered as the
founder of this Society. In the collection was a manuscript
diary kept by Increase Mather during the years 1675 and 1676,
which begins with the new year (" lm 25d' 1675 "), and goes
to December 7 (" 10m- 7 "), 1676. Like many of the ministers
of that period, the diarist wrote a hand that was full of abbre-
viations and contractions ; and in this paper it has been thought
best not to fill out such gaps for the most part, but to leave
the text as originally written when there is no special ambi-
guity in doing so. As a rule he ended most of his paragraphs
either with " etc." or the shortened form " et. " ; and he was
also in the habit of writing " e " (et) for " and." The syllable
"er" is generally indicated by a slanting backward stroke
through the preceding letter, and there are also other peculiar
characters in the manuscript. The syllable " con " is often
represented by an arbitrary sign which cannot be shown by
ordinary type, and " th " by the letter " y."
The diary is kept in a small bound book, about three inches
by five in size, which originally had clasps attached to the
covers. It was made by binding together four folds of paper,
containing twenty-four pages each. At the beginning of the
book are six unnumbered pages, on four of which is some
miscellaneous writing not connected for the most part with
152854
the other contents ; and these are followed by eighty-six num-
bered pages, besides two leaves of duplicated pages near the
middle of the volume. In many places certain words and
passages are underscored in red ink, which was done by Dr.
Belknap for his own use and convenience. Similar markings
are found elsewhere in other manuscripts of this Library, which
were consulted by him, such as the Belknap Papers and John
Marshall's Diary. For ready reference the end of each page
of the diary is indicated in the printed copy by heavy-faced
figures enclosed within brackets; and the numbers of the
four duplicated pages are followed by an asterisk [*]. Ap-
parently the little volume served as a kind of pocket note-
book, wherein the writer jotted down briefly the items which
he wished to save, and later, in an amplified form, entered
many of them in a larger diary. See Cotton Mather's " Paren-
tator" (pp. 36-38), for a confirmation of this view. There is
internal evidence that some of the minutes were not made on
the day of the date, but two or three days later.
The entries contain many pious ejaculations of the writer,
and illustrate the working of his mind on every-day subjects.
They are of interest as giving the kind of food that was then
thought needful for the mental and spiritual growth of the
religious man. There was a strong similarity between his life
and that of his contemporary, Chief Justice Sewall, and in
many respects their experience was the same.
1675. 1676. p. 56.
Erunt jnsuperabiles si inseparabiles.
Polycrates Greg. Nazianzeni Filius episcopus Ephesionus ait se octa-
vuni esse episcopum natum ex majoribus episcopis. Euseb. L. 5.
[Cap. XXII.] Eccles. Hist.
Dr. Amess Tomb might have had yt Inscript" on it, wch Scipio by his
will appointed to be on His, Ingrata patria ne ossa mea quidem habes.
Dr Butlers Receipt.
Take 3 pints of Malmesy e boyle yrin an handfull of sage, e an hand-
full of rue, till one pint be wasted, yn strain it e set it over ye fire agn
yn put yru a pennyworth of long pepp, halfe an once of ginger, e a
quarter of an ounce of nutmegs, yn let it boyle a little, yn put yrn
4 penni worth of mithridate. 2 pennyworth Treacle, a o,.ter of a pint of
good aqua vitae, or rather of hot Angelica water. Keep yes as life,
above all worldly Treasure. Take it always warme both morning e
evening a spoonfull or two, if yo already diseased, e sweat yrvpon. If
not diseased (once a day) a spoonfull is sufficient. In all ye Plague
Time vnder God trust to this for certayn ; For yr was never man nor
woman nor child upon ys deceived, if ye heart were not cleare tnorti-
fyed e drowned wh ye sd disease bef. This is not onely good for Lon-
don plague vvch is called ye sickness, but agt ye smallpox, measles,
surfets e diverse other diseases
Thomas Hunt 1
Cotton Mather 2
Obadiah Gill 3
Wm Sumner 4
Thomas Walter 5
Thomas Baker 6
Henry Chrtchet 7
John Gough 8
Joseph Billinge 9
Moses Hobart 10
Elias Hobart 11
Timothy lies. 12
John Barnard 13
Henry Dawson 14
prayer for Nath. & Sam. p. 5, 6, 7.
p. 68. graciously heard,
prayer, p. 35, 38.
A Temptatn. p. 89.
1675.
lm- 25d 1675. And is it so indeed? Doe I live to write any thing
in ye year 1 675 ? Who could have thought yt it should have bin so, wn
I was so near vnto death above five years agoe ? Providence doth now
put me vpon Humiliatio" extraordinary ; & yr is cause for it. 1. pticular
e private. 1. For ye sins of ye year past. 2. My old sins. 3. The
plagues of Hrf yt doe still abide me. 4. of late Times I have found more
respect e esteem amongst men, e wth ye Lords servants yn formerly,
how should ye consideration of yt mercy humble me. & break my Hrt !
2. As to ye pvblick state of things. 1. ye Lords people in other pts
are in a Low estate, deliverance is not yet come. 2. There are designs
agt N. E. 3. The countrey is poor. Blessings on wheat. Trade dead,
& ye custoines in Barbados e Virginia very prjudicial to ye Trade of }s
Countrey. 4. The Colledge is still desolate.
Requests to God in Christ. 1. As to ye publick. 1. yt deliverance
may arise for his people abroad. 2. yt N. E. may yet be owned by
Him. 3. yt ys year may be crowned wth his goodness. 4. yt ye
Colledge may be revived. 5. yt Boston may be prserved from Fires e
from mortal diseases, [l]
As to pticular. 1. yt ye Ld wld be with me ys year also, owning
me in my studyes. & in my ministry on Lds days e on Lecture days.
2. Blesse e give acceptance vnto w* I am printing. 3. gvide as to ye
Printing of ye sermon I prched ys day Tnight.1 4. give more of his
spirit to me. 5. Bless e pvide for me in my Family. Lord Jesus I
comit these Requests into yi hands. Humbly begging for acceptance
for yi sake, & for thine onely. Amen O Lord Amen !
A. M. Mr [William] Wooddrop prched.
P. M. The Ld assisted me in some measure both in prayr e sermon.
26) A. M. Studyed sermn. sic P. M. Interrupted by visitors, yet
Ld Helped to study a whole sermn.
Afflicted wth a cold, wch I thought I felt seyze vpon me yesterday
as I was prhing, being hot, e a cold door open vpon me in ye meeting
house. Head stopped. Throat sore. Aking pain in my thighs, yet
a gentle afflict". I have not bin thankfull enough for Health, nor im-
proved yt great mercy for ye hand of God, & good of others, as I might
have done, yo ye Ld is righteous e gracious. [2] »
27) A M. prpd for sabbath, sic P. M. Examining Hrt e state, I
was not altogether wthout Hopes yt ye Ld had given me grace, e some
growth yrin. O for more of his spirit !
28) A. M. assisted beyond expectat" in prching. some quicknings
at Lds Table, espty in praying for children, yt god wld rfor [remem-
ber] his covt towards ym, saying, O Heavenly Father, did not Jesus
Christ make His soul an offering for ye sins of or children, as well as for
or sins ; did not c* dy for or children as well as for vs, yd let cl see his
seed, let or poor children be converted, yt yy may glorify God wth vs,
world wthout end in yt world yt is to come !
P. M. Mr Epps prched.
29) A. M. Transcribed pt of sermn. P. M. visited several. [3]
30) Rode to Cambridge to visit Mr [Urian] Oakes who not well et
At night wth mr [John] Higginso11 at Mr [Richard] whartons et
31) A. M. Spent in discourse wh mr Higg. P. M. at mr [Peter]
Th[acher] Lect. Transcribed pt of serrn" on eccl. 7. 17.
2m ld) A. M studyed serm. After Lect wh elders et. Read
Jacksons Recant
2) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M. e transcribed sermn on eccl. 7. 17.
3) prpd for sabbath.
4) A. M. Mr [Daniel] Gookin prhed. P. M. Ld enabled in prayr
e sermon.
5) A. M. My Nath. taken ill wth vomiting & gripings. worms et.
Transcribed sermn. sic P. M.
6) Sat vp all night wth Nath. who continued ill. Towards morning
i This is an allusion to " The Wicked Man's Portion," a sermon preached
on a Lecture Day, March 18, 1674, which is of additional interest as being the
first known production from the press of John Foster, the pioneer printer of
Boston.
God rebated ye Fever e ye pains wch were vpon him. A. M. studyd
sermn. Nath. continuing ill, much hindred in my studyes.
7) A. M. Interrupted in studyes by Nats, illness, sic P. M. Little
doe children think, wt affection is in ye Heart of a Father. Let ye Ld
doe wth me e mine wt seemeth hirn good. I desire to Trust in his
power e mercy. [4]
8) Nath. something better. A. M. studyed serm. After Lect.
wth elders et. This day Nath. somewt revived.
9) In ye night my Samuel was taken very ill, e in a fever ys morning.
& Nath. seemingly iller today yn yesterday. There hath bin much
Health in my Family for a long time ; & God has spared ye lives of
all my children, but I have not bin thankfull & humble as I should
have bin, & therefore God is righteous in afflicting me. I have iioth.
to say but to ly down abased bef him, & let him doe wth me & mine
as seemeth him good, onely I can not but Trust in him yt Hee will be
gracious, for his owne Names sake. In prayr not altogether wthout
Hope, could doe little at my study bee. of childrens sickness.
10) Sam mended (after I had wept e prayd for his life) vpo11 vsing
sallad oyle e a clyster. This day I Fasted e prayd in my study, beg-
ging for ye Lives of my two sick children Nath. & Sam. [5]
As for Sam: His distemps were yn removed ye Ld graciously
dealing wth me, as in Isa : 65. 20. dan. 9. 23. Several argts came
into my mind, wch caused me to Hope yt God wld spare his life ; (& I
pleaded ym bef ye Ld) one was, yt I had called his Name Samuel ovt
of obedience to ye will of God, who requireth me to endeavor to keep
vp ye Name & memory of my deceased brother. I thought ye Lord
wld in him shew respect in ye Name of his blessed vncle. Also, in yt
I had given him to God ye first day yt Hee came into ye world. Also
I had prayed (wth Tears e some Faith) bef ys day, for him, yt God
would give of yt spirit to ys child wch did sometimes rest vpo" his blessed
vncle. His mother, e his Brother Cotton were wth me in my study
after a day of secret Humiliatn bef ye Lord, wn I thus prayed for ye
child, all of vs weeping for him. Now I thought it might be some dis-
couredgt to Cotton in case Hee sld see yt his poor sinfull Fathers prayrs,
were not heard ; yd I humbly pleaded yt wth God.
As for Nathaniel, I had Hope yt God wovld spare him, ye rather bee.
[6] yt child hath bin eminently saved from destructn e death, several
times bef ys, wch maketh me Hope, God hath some service for him to
doe for his Name ; e yt Hee shall be an instrunient of gods glory in
his general11. Also (weh is great mercy) I pceived yt ye Hrts of
some Ctn friends were stirred vp to pray for that child wch is a sign, ye
Ld intends to Answere. Agn, Jesus c* hath bid yt children sld be
brought to him yt Hee might bless ym, I yd brought ys child bef
yc Ld Jesus, & could not but Hope yt He would blesse him, even as
ye master doth require. I gave him vp to yc Lord agn, pleading, Lord
8
Hee is yi child. Hee is not onely my child, but through yi wonderfull
grace Hee isyi child, & wilt not thou shew mercy, to him, yt is become
yi child? I put him into ye Lords hands, yt Hee wld blesse him both
now & forever. So I hoped for mercy, & was inwardly satisfied in
my owne spirit. [7]
11) Lds day. Nath. revived. A. M. I was put vpon prching be-
yond my expectat" ; & God was wth my spirit very much. P. M.
Rode to dorchester where Ld enabled me to Prch agn.
Mr [George] Burroughs pching for me at Bosto".
12) This day Cous. Coney wth me, who wth many Tears told me
how much Hee was affected wth ye serm" yesterday, saying I seemed
to him as if I were come from Heav. & yt Hee had much adoe to forbear
crying out aloud in ye Meeting House as I was prching. I see by ys,
yr was a special hand of God in disappointing me of other help & put-
ting vpon prhing beyond my expectat", wch caused me to sitvp ye night
bef ye sabbath till nigh 2h. A.M.
This day Nath. ill agn iller agn yn yesterday, to Try my Faith e
svbmissn to ye will of God.
13) This day Nath. much revived. His fever left him. Above 20
worms come from him at times in ye sickness, studyed sermn. [8]
14) A. M. prpd for Lecture. At Charls Town where day of pub-
lick thanksgiving, bee. of Lds goodness in hearing prayer, so as to
return ye captives out of Turkish slavery in Sally [Sallee] &c.
15) Ld enabled in prhing Lecture at old church.1 After Lect Read
in Strong on I Cor. 3. 22 Burgess, dr Sibbs.
16) A. M. discourse wth Fellows about yecolledge et. P.M. studyed
serm11.
17) prpd for sabbath.
18) A.M. Mr S. Danforth prched. P.M. Assisted in work bef
me soli cto Laus !
19) At Cambridge on account of Corporation meeting, wn restored
ye salary officers of ye colledge to places agn.
20) studyed serm11 for church Fast, till night
21) prption for church Fast. Causes of Humiliation 1. private, old
sins, prsent pgs [progress]. My weakness & deficiency in respect of
gifts. My Sam. not well ys day. Publick. 1. Backward spring. The
weather vnseasonable. 2. [9] The churches (espty yt to wch I am
related) in a low condition. 3. There are scandalous reports of some
mftrs belonging to ys church, wch is matter of great Humiliatn. 4.
There like to be a Famin in Virginia, & amongst orselvs, if Ld be
not mercyfull. Requests to God in ct. 1 . That Hee wld in his owne
Time send a further supply as to ye Ministry in ys church. 2. Be
mercifull as to ye season. As to my selfe 1. give more grace &
1 Meeting-house of the First Church, then standing on what is now known as
Washington Street, near the head of State Street. The allusion is to the regular
Thursday lecture.
enlarge ye gifts of his spirit. 2. yt his prsence may be wth me, in
work I am called to. In Labors in writing, e in my ministry on Lds
days e Lecture days. 3. wisedome to goe in e out bef his people, over
whom Hee hath set me; Amen. O God in christ Jesus Amen !
This day carried on comfortably. The Ld enabled me to pray to begin
e end wth prayr, e to prch 2 hors. The rest of ye Time spent in prayr
by ye Brethren. At evening called Br. Sunderland to account et
My Sam. not so ill at night as in y" morning [10]
22) A. M. study ed sermn. P. M. wh elders, dined at C[aptain
Thomas]. Lakes et study ed sermn.
23) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M. e discourse wth friends.
24) prpd for sabbath, examining selfe. Hope yt grace e some
growth yrin wrought in soul
25) A. M. Assisted in some measure. some quickenings at Lds
supp, pleading bef ye Lord, yo art or Father, e wee are yi children.
Lord take vs into yi arms e keep vs by yi power through Faith vnto
salvation. Wee cast or selvs into yi Armes, O or Father. If children
cast yms. into ye Armes of yir Father, will not Hee take ym into his
Armes. wee yi children doe so this day !
P. M. Mr Epps prched.
26) At Cambridge where Corporat" mett about ye Colledge affairs.
27) A. M. Scripsi catechismu™ dialecticum P. M. Read in poli.
3d vol. Visited several, [ll]
28) A. M. Finished Log. catech. After Lect. dined wth Mr [Peter]
Th[acher]. &c.
29) A. M. studyed sermn. After Lect. dined wth Magistrates &c.
30) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M. e de Admonitio &c.
3m ld prpd for sabbath.
2) A. M. Mr Corlet prched. P. M. Ld assisted in work bef me.
Admonished Br. Sunderland.
3) A. M. Transcribed Admonit". P. M. discourse wth Governor
[John Leverett], mr Bradstreet &c. about ye colledge.
At evening met wth br. Sunderland, who sd yt he hardly dealt wth ;
That Hee had wronged Himselfe by confessing more yn Hee should doe,
And Hee sd yt Hee was not Foresworn. So yt ye effect wch ye ordinance
of Admonit" seems to have vpon him, is yt his Heart is more hardned.
O ye Ld pitty him. [12]
^ 4) A. M. spke several y t wounded by ye powder wch blew vp forpt
of vessel, wch came in ys day from Virginia. P. M. This pvidence put
vpon alteratn of Intention, de subject thought to have pched on &c.
5) A. M. prayd wth Capt. Scarlet1 who dying by reas. of ye wound
1 Captain Samuel Scarlet commanded a vessel hailing from Lyme, Con-
necticut, which was blown up in Boston Harbor just after her arrival from
Virginia. For particulars of the explosion, see SewalPs Diary (I. 10) and
Hull's Diary in the " Archa3ologia Americana " (III. 240).
2
10
reed yesterday by ye Blow et. His Leg, arm &c, Broken, inwardly
bruised, prayd wth 5 other men who sorely wounded by same stroke.
P. M. studyed sermn. At Funeral of mr Smith who killed yesterday
by blow wh powder in ship &c.
6) A. M. studyed sermn. After lect. wth elders, e at mr [John]
Freakes Funeral.1
7) A. M. discourse wh Neph. Sam. studyed sermn. P. M. at C.
[Samuel] Scarlets Funeral et.
8) prpd for sabbath. Troubled bee. I heard yt my dear Brother
Nath. was sick in Ireland, e not likely to Live except removed from yer.
But after went to Mr. Rawsons to read his daughters Ire who wrote
de my brother, I was refreshed, bee. she doth not say, yt Hee danger-
ously ill. Onely yt had bin often troubled wth flux since in Ireland,
e at yt Time (wch was in Janry) worse yn formerly. Yet Hoped Hee
might doe well. However ys [13] ys j)vidence calls vpon me to prpe
for his death, & for my owne too, espiy considering yt yesterday I
heard that mr John Thomso11 (my brother Nath. e Hee married 2
sisters) who was my special acquaintance wn I was in E. was dead in
Bristol, by ye cruel vsage of ye Bishops. Who knoweth but yt I may
live vntill called to dy for, Christ e for his Truth. The Lord prpe
me. If things go on a while Longer in E. I am like to be Tryed,
whither I Love ye Truth indeed or no.
9) A. M. Neph. Sam. phed. P. M. Ld assisted me in some meas-
ure in ye work wch Hee called me to.
10) A. M. Discourse wh friends. P. M. Transcribed sermn.
11) A.M. Transcribed sermn. P.M. visited several &c.
12) Day of elect11, wth elders, & at governors &c. Mr. [Joshua]
Moodey prhd ye elect" sermn, And Hee prhed on a Text wch for some
years I have designed to ph of, & thought to doe it in ye old-meeting
House in Bostn, but am now prvented. I am vn worthy to be im-
proved in doing service for ye Rising general11. Alas I have bin too
slow in endeavors to accomplish wt I wld doe. [14]
13) The whole day spent in discourse wh elders at mr. [Peter]
Thachers, et.
At evening finished Transcript" of serm11.
14) This day almost wholly taken vp wth visitors &c. onely visited
mrs Davenport et.
15) Finished e corrected sermn on psal. 31. 15 &c.2 »
1 Mr. Freake was killed by the explosion on the vessel two days before. His
widow afterward married Elisha Hutehinson.
2 This is the sermon "occasioned by that awfull Providence which hapned in
Boston in New-England the 4th day of the 3d Moneth 1675. ( when part of a Vessel
was blown up in the Harbour, and nine men hurt, and three mortally wounded)
wherein is shewed how we should sanctifie the dreadfull Name of God under
such awfull Dispensations." The sermon was preached probably on Sunday,
11
16) A. M. my Br. J. C.1 prhed. P. M. My Br. S. C.1 prched.
17) A. M. studyed sermon. «. P. M. visited several.
18) AM studyed sermn. P.M. read Clark of psecutors.
19) AM studyed sermn. P. M. read Bates Vocatio et
20) A. M. studyed serm11 After Lect. wh elders et
21) Fasted e prayd in my study. Hopes of mercy through ye
sufferings e merits of Jesus !
22) prpd for sabbath.
Examining selfe. Hopes yt grace e some growth yrin wrought in my
Hrt. O Lord Increase it. [15]
23) God enabled me to prch both pts of ye day, e ajso to admin-
ister ye Lds supp ; & carried me comfortably through all. O wonder-
full grace manifested to a vile sinner !
24) wrote epie bef sermn on ps. 31. 15 P.M. catechised children
Read Cabinet of Mirth et.
25) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M.
26) A. M. studyed sermn. After Lect wh elders at mr [Peter]
Thachers et.
27) A.M. Interrupted by visitors yt could doe little at my study.
After Lect wh elders. And at Governors, studyed sermn.
28) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. Rode to Cambridge where dis-
coursed wth mr Oakes.2 expressed to him my resentmt of reflects
vpon me by some of scholars, as if I desired presidentship &c. Hee
sd none thought (for yy knew I might have yt if wld) yt I de-
sired presidentship in Cambridge onely some were affraid, yt I designed
such a thing by bringing Colledge to B. Hee owned yt Hee had sd yt
I not so plain-told as Hee had thought, but prayed me not to be
troubled ; e yt I must bear wth yir Jealousy bee. it a matter of great
concert &c. pfessed his desires yt I might be at Cambridge et. [16]
29) prpd for sabbath.
30) A. M. Ld enabled in pching e prayr beyond expectat". P. M.
Mr Eps prched.
31) visited several. Read in Franzius History of Brutes, et.
ld 4m) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. Read in Franzius history of
Brutes.
2) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. visited several, studyed serm".
3) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. wth elders, studyed sermn.
•- 4) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M.
5) prpd for sabbath.
May 23, and was printed by John Foster. It is supposed to be the second
earliest imprint from Foster's press, now extant.
1 These initial letters refer to John Cotton and Seaborn Cotton, both sons of
John Cotton, the well-known minister of the First Church, and brothers-in-law
of Increase Mather.
- Urian Oakes, at this time Acting President of Harvard College.
12
6) ye Ld graciously enabled me in prayr & prhing both pts of ye
day. To him alone be prayse forever ! 9
7) Artillery elect". After sermn dined wth sovlders. After yt wth
some of elders at Mr [Peter] Thachers [17]
8) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M.
9} prpd for Lecture.
10) Ld enabled in prhing e prayr.
After Lect. wth elders. discourse about Dyars reviling ire to
me &c. Methinks, I have Faith to believe yt God will blesse me
ye more, bee. of those revilings. Blessed are ye, wn speake all maner
of evill of you falsely.* so yy did by ye pphets. O yt ye Lord wld
Teach me to pfit by his dispensations. And if I must be reproached,
Let it be by such men as Dyar is.
11) Studyed sermn. onely much interrupted w*h visitors.
12) prpd for sabbath.
13) A.M. Mr [Daniel] Gookin prhd. P.M. Assisted in some
measure
14) A. M. wth Governor, dined wh comittce at Turners. P. M.
visited several. [18]
15) A. M. read Voetius de merito cti. P. M. wth S[amuel]. Gyle !
in prison to counsil him for his soul et.
16) Fasted e prayd in my study.
At evening after ye last prayr, God melted my Heart, yea in-
wardly moved me very much. so as yt I believed God had heard
me. And pticularly, de dyer ye enemy of ct e of N. E. who hath
lately sent a reviling ire to me, I comitted yt matter to God, being
psvaded, yt ye Ld will in due time take yt enemy to doe, & vindicate
my poor Name, yt I may not be ye reproach of ye Foolish. I am
yo resolved by his grace to endeavr to walk more closely wth him yn
ever I did. Amen ! O Lord Amen !
17) A.M. studyed sermn. After Lect wth elders. & at mr Stod-
dards et.
18) A. M. mr danforth was wh me, desiring yt I wld not lav down
my Fellowship, pfessing yt those Reports about reflections on me in
Cambridge were slanders e falsehoods, e desiring yt I wld not believe
ym. And yt if I wld accept of ye Presidentship, it wld be selfe denial
et P. M. studyed sermn. wh condemned prisoners. [19]
19) prpd for sabbath, examining selfe, Had hopes yt grace e some
growth yrin wrought in my soul.
20) A. M. Assisted in phing e prayr. some quicknings at Lds
Table, espiy in praying for much of ye spirit of ct saying, Ld wee
have one argt to pseed wth yn, & it is a great one, e wont to be a
1 Samuel Giles, of Haverhill. See SewalPs Diary (I. 7) for an allusion to the
case.
13
prvayling argt, tht is yi owne Name. If yo wilt give vs much of ye
spirit of ct, wee shall yn bring much glory to yi great Name
P. M. Mr Epps prhed.
21) A. M. Transcribed sermn. dined wh Troops. P. M. Wth con-
demned Prisoners.
22) A.M. discourse wth friends. P.M. at mr [Peter] Th[acher].
e wh Governor about prisoners so yt time miserably lost as to my study.
This day my Cotton went to live at ye Colledge. The God of all
grace be wth him & never leave nor forsake him, but bless him, e
make him a blessing whereever Hee shall bee Amen ! [20]
23) A. M. studyed sermn. After Lect. wth mr [Peter] Thacher et.
24) A. M. studyed sermn. After Lect. ivth elders, e wth con-
demned prisoners.
25) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M.
26) prpd for sabbath.
27) A. M. prhed at old chvrh. graciously assisted. Mr Corlet
prhed for me A. M. & Mr Jos. Eliot P. M.
28) prpd for publiek Fast.
29) Causes of Humiliatn ys day. 1. My old sins. 2. prsent pgs.
Vnsuitable trade of spirits to ye sad awfull dispensatons of pvidence.
3. Troubles like to come on N. E. from abroad. 4. The Indians are
vp in armes having killed 7 english men e burnt 20 Houses in
swansey. Requests to God in ct. 1. That more of his spirit may
given to me, as to gifts e graces. 2 yt his prseuce may be wth me
from day to day. 3. yt Hee wld lengthen our days of Tranquility.
4. subdue ye Heathen, blessing prsent expeditn for yt end. [21]
A. M. Ld assisted in prhiug e prayr P. M. my Br. [Solomon]
Stoddard [of Northampton] prhed.
30) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. at Governors & wh condemned
prisoners &c.
5m- ld) Called out of my bed bef day to pray wth mrs Hodges,
she died bef I got thither, wn I lived vnder ye same roof wth her
6 years agoe, it was not likely yt I shld out Live her. O yt God wld
help me to Improve my Time.
Wth several to endeavor yt condemned prisoners might be Reprieved.
After Lect. wh elders et.
""2) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M.
3) prpd for sabbath.
4) Ld assisted in his work, both pts of day.
5) A. M. Read coments in Isai. 42. 24. discourse wh mr [Peter]
Th[acher]. e mr Sh. P. M. read coirients in Isai. et
6) A. M. studyed serm. At chvrch-meeting about Br Sunderland
&c. [22]
7) A. M. Read in Rutherford de drawing to ct. In Nort. orthod.
evang. Ames, de prpt"e precatoris et. sic P. M.
14
8) A.M. studyed sermn. After Lect. wth elders, visited several.
Read in Owen of ye spirit et.
9) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P.M. & read varies Libr.
10) prpd for sabbath.
11) A. M. Mr Corlet prhed. P.M. Ld Assisted in his work.
12) A.M. discourse wth friends. dined wth Governor. P.M.
Read de Morte cti &c.
13) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M.
14) Fasted e prayed in my study ; And prpd for Lecture.
15) A. M. prpd for Lect. Ld did in some measure assist, blessed
be his Name. After Lect. wth elders & wth mr. Jos. Eliot et [23]
16) A.M. visited several. P.M. at mrs Shrimptons burial,
studyed sermn. Though much hiuderd by Trouble at Cottons l being
abused by John Cotton, & some other scholars at ye Colledge.
17) prpd for sabbath.
discourse wth J. C. et Hee sd to me yt Those of overseers yt wld
brake yt custome of sending errands, did not seek ye psying of Colledge.
At evening examining selfe, hopes yt Ld hath given Faith e Rep.
18) A.M. Not so enlarged as at some Times, nor so quicknd at Lds
Table. P. M. mr epps prhed.
19) A. M. discourse wh friends. dined at Mr. Deans. P. M.
Transcribed sermn. Read on Rev. 2. 24.
20) A. M. studyed sermon, sic P. M.
21) Day of Humiliatn in 3d churh
22) A. M. studyed sermn. After Lect. 'wth elders, studyed serm11.
23) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M.
24) prpd for sabbath. [24]
25) Assisted in some measure in work of Ld, bth pts of day.
26) Rode to Cambridge where discoursd wth mr danforth 2 &
Mr Okes 2 about taking Cotton from Colledge et yy were loth yt sld
doe it, yet could not give satisfactory answere to my Reasons.
27) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. Read Willisius de Memoria
28) A.M. studyed serm11. sic P. M. Read Autores de Conviction.
29) A. M studyed sermn. After Lect. wth elders et.
30) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. At Charles Towne Lecture, et
31) prpd for sabbath.
6? ld) A. M. Ld assisted in his work. P. M. rode to dorchester
(Mr. [Josiah] Flint being sick) where Ld enabled in prayr. e serm".
To him abpve be prayse. [25]
1 At this time Cotton Mather was near the end of his Freshman year, Com-
mencement coming on August 10 ; and John Cotton was his cousin and class-
mate. Apparently he returned to college on June 22 (see entry of that date) ;
and perhaps this allusion is to some hazing by the older scholars.
2 Samuel Danforth, one of the Fellows of Harvard College, and Urian Oakes,
Acting President.
15
2) A. M. discourse wh friends e wth J. C. dined wth Magistrates.
P. M. read on Rev. 2. 25.
3) A.M. studyed serm". P.M. read in Carter on Heb. 1.1. &
pagets Chuography.
4) A.M. studyd sermn. P.M. read in Bridges on Luk. 17. 37. et
Clarks examples
5) A. M. read de satisfactne cti. After Lect. wth elders. Read vt
prius. discourse wth Mr P[eter] T[hacher]
6) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M
7) prpd for sabbath.
8) A M. assisted in some measure in prayr e serm". P. M. Br J. C.
pched.
9) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M.
10) At Commencemnt at Cambridge
11) prpd for day of Humiliatn 111 wth vomiting e purging. [26]
12) grounds of Humiliatn.
1. My old sins. 2. prsent pgs. 3. The sad condit" wch N. E. is
now in by reason of ye Heathen, who have killed many & desolated
several Plantations. 4. My Family (e selfe) visited wth illnesses, sad
colds e coughs on all my children esply my youngest.
Humble Requests to God in Jesus Christ. 1. For pdoning mercy, e
more grace to see him as I ought to doe. 2. That Hee wld prserve
those yt are gone to warr agt ye Indians, causing his enemies to Fall
bef. him. sanctifying yes awfull dispensatns of his Holy .gvidence. 3. pr-
serve Boston from destructn by fire, e from mortal diseases. 4. Looke
vpon my Family. Healing ye children yt are out of case, espiy Healing
yer sinfull ntres, by ye blood of ct, supplying all my wants &c. Amen !
0 Lord Amen !
This day of Humiliatn in old Meeting-House in Boston. A. M. I was
so ill I could not goe abroad. Mr Sherman e mr [John] Allin carried on
ye work. P. M. ye Ld enabled me to goe abroad, & assisted in pching be-
yond expectat". Mr [Thomas] Cobbet prayed. Lord Answere ! [2?]
13) A.M. Wrote answere to H. G. pap. sic P. M.
14) prpd for sabbath. Examining selfe*, could not find any sins wch
1 was not (if hrt deceived me not) willing to pt wth. Hopes yt some
growth in grace. Ld for more grace.
15) Mr Higginson prched both pts of ye day : yet I prched near an
hor to ye church alone bef Administrat" of Lds supper, some quickuings
at ye ordinance, though not so much as at many Times.
16) A.M. read coment. in 2 K. 13. P.M. wth Mr Allen et.
studyed sermn.
17) A.M. studyed serm". P.M. Read in Clarks examp. Triumph
of Low Coun treys et.
18) A. M. studyed serm". After Lect. discourse wth br. J. C. At
Governors.
16
19) A.M. studyed sermn. After Lect. wth elders, dined at Mr.
Allins et.
20) A. M. studyed sermn. P, M. visited several.
21) prpd for sabbath.
22) A. M. Ld assisted in his work. P. M. br J. C. pched.
23) A. M. read de vsu globi. sic P. M. [28]
24) A. M. read in Firmin real Cfen. P. M. discourse wth mr Wai-
ley. Read in Clark examples.
25) At Fast in Charles Town
26) A. M. studyed serrn". After Lect. wth elders. Read in Clarkes
examples.
27) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M.
28) prpd for sabbath.
29) A. M. Ld assisted in phing e praying. P. M. Mr Walley prched.
30) studyed sermn. Read in Clarkes Examples
31) prpd for day of Humiliat°.
7m ld) Grounds of Humiliatn. private. 1. old sins. 2. prsent pgs.
3. Vnpfitableness. Publick. 1. chts in E. et. in suffering conditn. 2. In
N. E. expeditn agt Indians, vnsuccessfull. 3. Many children in Boston
sick. The storm yt hapned lately, has bin prejudicial to many. Re-
quests to Ld. private. 1. yt his prsence may be wth me in my ministry,
e in further opening epty to churches. 2. yt ornament of meeke e
quiet spirit may be bestowed on me. publick. 1 For deliverance of
church out of Trouble. 2. success as to expeditio11 agt Heathen. Amen,
O Ld Amen ! [29]
day of Humiliatn in or Church. A. M. I prayd e prched e mr Thacher
prayed. P. M. Mr Allen prayed. & I prched e prayd. Ld graciously
assisted.
2) A. M. Read Coment on Revel. 2. 26. After lect. ye Corporat"
met in Bostn about Colledge affairs et.
At B. Wilkins marriage et.
3) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M.
4) prpd for sabbath.
5) A. M. Mr Corlet pched. P. M. Ld assisted me in prching e in
prayr.
6) A Cambridge at Corporatn meeting. I told you I not willing to
continue as Fellow any longer, bee. I had bin so abused in C. & yt yy
yms. had dealt so wth me as was grievous, sc. in calling ye scholars to-
gether to enquire of ym who told tales to me et Mr Okes sd Hee knew
noth. of it, but was Troubled wn Hee heard of it. The other 2 young
men, mr Gookin e Thacher, Justified yir actings. At night I spoke
wh ye Governor about it, who sd it was no£ to be suffered. As I pted
wh Mr Okes, I told him, if it wld grieve him, I wld [30] not lay down
my Fellowship as yet, bee. I wld practise selfe-denial et. so we pted very
lovingly et.
17
7) A. M. visited several. P. M. Read de satisfactione cti.
8) A. M. studyed serm". sic P. M.
9) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. wth elders, visited several.
10) A. M. studyed serrn". sic P. M. e read de vsu globi.
11) Fasted e prayed in my study. And prpd for sabbath.
12) A. M. Ld assisted in prching e prayr. Quickenings at Lds
Table. P. M. Mr. Eppes prched.
13) A. M. discourses wth several. P. M. visited several, wth S.
Gile in prison who condemned to dy on account of Rape.
14) A. M. Transcribed sermn. P. M. read dr Goodwins sermons. et
15) A M studyed sermn. After Lect wh condemned prisoners et [31]
16) A. M. studyed sermn. After L'ect. wth elders, e Magistrates wth
wm dined at Townhouse et. studyed sermn.
17) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M. Read in Clarkes examples et.
18) prpd for sabbath.
1 9) Ld assisted in his work both pts of ye day.
20) A. M. Discourse wth friends, dined wth soulders. P. M. Read
in Firmin Real clin
21) A. M. wrote ires to E. P. M. studyd sermon.
22) 111 wth sickness at stomach, and Lax.
23) A. M. studyd serm11. After Lect. wth elders, dined wth
Coiiiissioners.
24) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. Corrected M.SS. in answere to
H. G.
25) prpd for sabbath.
26) A. M. graciously assisted. P. M. my br J. C. prched. [32]
27) studyd sermn for ye ensuing day.
28) A day of Humiliatn amongst ye Coinissioners of Vnited Col-
onies. A. M. Mr Eliot e mr Thacher pched e prayed. P. M. Mr
Allen e mr Shepd prayed, e I pched e prayed ye Ld did Help. God
was graciously prsent.
29) A. M. Interrupted by visitors et P. M. studyed serrn". Read
in Clark 2. vol.
30) A. M. studyed sermp. After Lect. overseers of Colledge met.
Octr 1. 8m>) A. M. studyed serai". dined wth Coniissioners of
vnited Colonies. P. M. visited several, studyed sermn.
2) prpd for sabbath.
3) A. M. my Br. J. C. prched. P. M. Ld assisted in his worke in
some measure.
4) A. M. Interrupted wh visitors. P. M. studyed sermn.
5) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M.
6) prpd for Fast et [33]
7) grounds of Humiliatn bef ye Ld. private. 1. old sins. 2. prsent
pgs. 3. vnsuccessfullness of my Labors. I doe but cumber ye ground.
3
18
O ye patience of God, yt I am not cutt down. 4. Some Touches of
Gods hand in my Family of late by sickness. Colds, Fluxes, et. Pub-
lick. N. E. is in ye most Lamentable state yt ever was. The Indians
risen almost round ye countrey. God doth not goe forth wth or Armies.
Many cutt off by ye enemy. There like to be scarcity of p vision.
Some speake as if ye spotted Fever were in Boston. No Reformation
wrought by yes Judgts. The Colledge agn likely to Fall. In E. things
are in a very sad posture.
Requests to God in Jesus Christ. That Hee wld sanctify yes Judgts
to ye Couutrey.
psy forces in yir expedition agt ye Heathen. Restore peace e plenty.
As to private concerns. 1. give more of his spirit to me. 2. prsence
in private studyes, e publick services. 3. Bless my Family wth Health
e gracious supplies, as yr shall be need.
Amen ! Holy Lord God Amen !
A. M. Ld graciously assisted me in pching & in prayr
P. M. my br J. C. prhed
8) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M. [34]
9) prpd for sabbath.
Examining selfe, Hopes yt grace e some growth yrin wrought in my
soul.
10) A. M. graciously assisted in pching e in prayr, And quickned at
Lds Table.
11) A.M. Read Cements in Rev. 2 27. P.M. Read in R. Wards
politick strategy, studyed sermn.
12) A.M. studyed sermn. dined wh Comissioners at C[aptain
Thomas]. Lakes. A. M. at Funeral of mr davyes child.
13) prpd for Lect. Visited several sick psous. discourses wth sev-
eral yt visited me et
14) A. M. prpd for Lect. I prayed wth Tears in my study, bef I
went to prch, yt ye Ld wld be wth me, & owne e bless rny Labors for
glory to his name, e so as to cause Reformat11 of those things wch are
displeasing to him in ye Countrey. God was wth me in his worke.
gave me acceptance beyond expectatn ; & I hope will cause ye Magis-
trates e deputies (ye General Court now sitting) to consider of wt was
sd to ym, e to endeavor a Reformat11 of evills, yt God may turn fro™ his
displeasure. Amen e Amen ! [35]
15) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. visited several yt sick, studyed
sermn.
16) prpd for sabbath.
17) A. M. Ld assisted. P. M. My br. J. C. pched.
18) Mett wth Coinitee appointed by ye General Court to consider
about Reformat" of those evills wch ,gvoke Ld agt N. E.
19) A. M. wth Cofnittee. P. M. visited several sick psons.
20) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M. Read in Clarkes Examples
19
21) A. M. studyed sermn. After Lect. wth elders et •
22) A. M. studyed serin". P. M. Read in Revi8 de Capillitio &c.
23) prpd for sabbath. Read in Revius et
24) A. M. graciously Assisted. P. M. My Br. J. C. prched.
25) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. visited several. Read de Capillitio.
26) Read coments in Rev. 2. 28. ys day road from dorchester et.
P. M. discourse wh friends. Read variores Au tores et [36]
27) A. M. read in Libris philosoph. de stellis et sic P. M.
28) A. M. studyed sermn. After Lect. at Meeting of overseers of
Colledge.
29) A.M. studyed sermn. P. M. at mr Cutts Funeral.
30) prpd for sabbath.
31) A. M. Ld assisted in his work. P. M. my br. J. C. prched.
9ra- ld) studyed sermn.
2) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. read varios Autores.
3) Fasted e prayd in my study not altogether wthout Hope of
gracious acceptance through Jesus ct.
4) A. M. discourse wh visitors et. After Lect wh elders, dined at
mr Th[acher]. et.
5) A.M. studyed sermn. sic P. M. e read good win on Eph. 8. 16.
6) prpd for sabbath. Examining selfe Hope yt grace wrought in
soul, e some growth yrin [37]
7) A. M. my br. J. C. prched. Some quicknings at Lds Table.
P. M. graciously assisted in pching e prayr, though had bin 111 ye night
bef. wth gripings et yt affraid, I sld not have bin able to prh.
8) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M,
9) Fasted e prayed in my study e prpd for Lecture.
10) Prched ye Lecture at y? New-Meeting House.1 graciously as-
sisted me in ye morning as I was sitting alone in my study, T was sud-
denly moved by ye spirit of God, e wonderfully melted into Tears, wth
a firm pswasion yt God would make me his mouth, & owne ye words I
sld speak, in his name, so as yt much good sld be done yrby : Amen
dear Lord Jesus !
11) A. M. visited several After Lect. wh elders, studyed serm".
12) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M. e read in Twiss agt Hoard e de
scientia Media.
13) prpd for sabbath. [38]
14) A.M. mr Corlet pched. P.M. graciously assisted.
15) A.M. discourse wh friends. P.M. visited several. Read in
Reynolds e Sibs on Hos. 14.
16) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M. Read Parei orationes.
17) At Cambridge where elders mett to discourse of Reformat0 &c.
1 Meeting-house of the Third Church, now better known as the "Old South,"
corner of Milk and Washington Streets.
20
18) A. M. study ed serrn". After Lect. wth elders &c. discourse wh
mr. Brinsmead l who Lodged wth me et
19) A.M. study ed sermn. sic P. M.
20) prpd for sabbath.
21) A.M. Rode to dorchester. Ld there assisted in prhing. mr
Philips pched for me. P.M. mr Eppes.
22) A.M. discourses wth friends. P. M. studyed sermn.
23) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M. e Read in Clark Vanity of
earthly things.
24) prpd for Lecture [39]
25) A. M. prpd for Lect. P. M. Ld graciously assisted in pching
e prayr. After Lect. dined wth mr Allin. Read Tollisn of ye
Jews et
26) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M. read in Clarkes examples.
27) prpd for sabbath. Called out of my bed to pray with dr. Hoar
who near vnto death. Hee desired me to take his Nephew John
Hoar 2 vnder my Tuitio11, e to write to his Father, if Hee wld be Rec-
onciled to his son et
28) A. M. mr P. Thacher pched. P. M. Ld assist in his worke.
29) A. M. studyed sermn sic P. M.
30) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. visited several sick e afflicted.
Read in Clark exam.
10m ld) prpd for day of Humiliatn in Publick.
2) Grounds of Humiliatn bef ye Lord, private. 1. My old sins.
2. Prsent pgs. pride, sensuality, sloth. Hardness of Hrt. Not affected
wth ye miserable state of N". E. as yr is cause for. 3. deficiency as
[40] as to gifts. 4. The vnsuccessfullness of my labors. I doe little
good in my generation. 5. The Reproaches wch some cast vpon me.
As to Publick. 1. N. E. is in a. most lamentable state by Reaso"
of yt warr wth ye Indians. Famine like to ensue. Trading dead &c
2. The Ld hath lifted vp his hand agt Boston, in yt ye small pox hath
bin in ye harbor. And a very mortal contagious Fever in ys Town e
in other places in ye country.
Requests to God in ct. 1. yt Hee wld psy ye expeditn agt ye
Heathen, going forth wth Armies. 2. prserve Boston from fires e deso-
lating Judgts.
give more of his spirit to me, respecting gifts e graces. Be prsent
wth me in studyes, e in Publick Labors, guide as to ye course of
my ministry from Time to Time. Amen ! dearest Lord, & Heavenly
Father ! Amen !
1 Rev. William Brinsmead, of Marlborough. See Proceedings (second series,
IV. 298-302).
2 See Historical Collections (fourth series, VIII. 571, 572), for a few lines
about the nephew.
21
ys publick Fast Mr Corlet prhed A. M. Ld graciously assisted me
P. M. in praying e in pching. [41]
^~~3) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M.
4) prpd for sabbath, examining selfe. Hopes yt grace e some growth
yrin wrought in my soul. Lord give more.
5) A. M. Not so inlarged as at some Times nor quickened at Lds
Table. The season cold e my Hr? like it I find yt outward things
will discompose ye spirit, yea outward heat et cold in extreme. P. M.
Mr. Brinsmead prched.
6) A. M. Rode pt of way to Braintree whither dr Hoars body was
carryed ys day to be interred. P. M. Read in Owen et Theol.
7) A. M. Read in Owen Theol. Hist, dined wth comissioners at
Mr davyes visited mrs davenport et.
8) A. M. read in Owen. P. M. After Lect. wh elders et
9) A. M. studyed sermn After Lect. wh elders, & at br. [Richard]
Collicots et. studyed sermn
10) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M.
11) prpd for sabbath. [42]
12) Graciously assisted in ye Lds work in ye former, but esply in
ye latter pt of ye day.
13) A. M. wrote irs to E. P. M. Read conients in Rev. 3. 1.
14) A. M. discourse wh friends P. M. studyed serin11. Read in
Clarkes 2 vol.
15) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M. & read in diverse Authors et
16) A. M. studyed sermn. After Lect. wth elders, dined wh mr
Thacher. studyed sermn.
17) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M.
18) prpd for sabbath.
19) A. M. Mr Foster1 pched for me. P. M. assisted in some
measure though not as at many Times.
20) A. M. Read Jos. Alleyns cases Resolved et P. M. read in
Owen de Theol & in Clarkes examples. [43]
21) A. M. read in Elias Levita. P. M. Read Buxtorf. Lex.
Thalmud.
22) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. discourse wth mr Brinsmead
who Lodged here. Read in Clarkes examples
23) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. Read in Clarkes examples.
24) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M.
25) prpd for sabbath.
26) A. M. mr Burroughs pched. P. M. graciously assisted in
prayr e sermn
27) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M.
1 Perhaps Rev. Isaac Foster.
22
28) Fasted e prayed in my study, not altogether wthout Hopes of
gracious acceptance through Jesus Christ.
29) prpd for Lecture.
30) Ld graciously assisted me in pching ye Lecture. After Lect.
dined wh mr Allin. studyed sermn.
31) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M. Read in Clarks examples. [44]
1 lm ld) prpd for sabbath, examining selfe, hopes y t grace e some
growth yrin wrought in my soul. Lord ! more grace !
2) An extreme cold day. H. not such quicknings of affectn as at
other times, & neither in pching nor at Lds supp P. M. Mr Norton 1
prched.
3) A. M. Read in Fenner Alarm. P. M. studyed sermn. but in-
terrupted in studyes by sore throat et
4) A. M. studyed serm". P. M. revewd M.SS. in answer of H. G.
Read on Clarkes examples
5) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. Read Leigh of Colledges.
6) A. M. studyed sermn. After Lect wh elders. & at mr Thachers,
visited his daughter et
7) A. M. studyed serm". sic P. M. Read on Clark.
8) A. M. prpd for sabbath.
9) A. M. Mr Epps prched. P. M. graciously assisted. [45]
10) A. M. studyed serm11. sic P. M. Read in Clarkes examples
11) studyed sermn. Read in Clark
12) prpd for day of Humiliation.
13) Causes of Humiliatn bef ye Lord. •
As to Publick concerns. 1. The sword is not yet put vp into ye
scabbard. 2. The Army hath reed a rebuke in yt 6 captains have bin
lately slain at once. 3 There are sad diseases e terrible in ye countrey.
e. g. At Plymouth yr is a Malignant Fever yt is very Mortal. At
Glocester ye small pox is in several Families, diverse already dead yr.
4. Boston is vnder awfull tokens of divine displeasure, several dead
(e many sick still) of yt Fever, yea e ye small pox is now come into
ye Town, one dyed yesterday yrby. [As to private concerns. 1. My
old sins. 2. plagues of Hrt. 3. vnthankfullness for special favrs. God
has continued Health to me e mine. God hath pvided for me in yes
difficult Times but alas I have not bin thankfull as I sld have bin]
5. There fears of an approaching Famin. 6. Reformation doth not
goe forward. Magistrates too slow in yt matter. [46] Humble Re-
quests to God in ct As to Publick. 1. That ye Armes may be
prserved. The Ld keep ym from ys Terrible disease of ye small pox.
And Rebuke ye Heathen. 2. Heale his people. 3. In special, Let
ye Lord have compass0 vpon Boston ; & suff not ys disease to spread
1 Rev. John Norton, of Hingham.
23
here. Enemies are risen vp agt vs ; & yo Let not ye Compassionate
God, rise vp agt vs too at ye same Time. 4. sanctify yes Judgts, so
as to cause a Reformat" of evills.
As to private. 1. The Lord give more of his spirit to me. 2. Be
prsent wth me, in ye worke I am called vnto. 3. Bless my poor sinfull
Family & continue Health yrin.
I trust in christ, my Lord e my God, for a gracious Answere.
Amen ! Holy Lord God, Amen !
A. M. Mr Peter Thacher prched. P. M.f Ld graciously assisted
me a sinfull creature, in prayr e sermon. [47]
14) A. M. Read Hieron of Pliny. P. M. study ed sermn.
15) prpd for sabbath,
Ib) A. M. Mr Corlet prhed. P. M. Not so inlarged as at some
times.
17) A. M. Read J. d. notes. P. M. read in Firmins CIm et Life of
Richard 3.
18) A. M. Read coments in Leu. 18. 3. et P. M. visited several,
studyed serm".
19) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. Read dr Hoares1 catalogue et.
20) A. M. studyed serm11. After Lect. wth elders &c.
21) A. M. visited several, wth mr Hains about Gorges Patent.
P. M. Looked over Bookes in dr Hoars study et studyed sermn at
night
22) prpd for sabbath. [48]
23) A. M. Mr Fletcher 2 pched P. M. graciously assisted in work
of Ld.
24) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. in dr Hoars Library.
25) Fastd e prayed in my study, e studyed pt of sermn for Lecture.
26) prpd for Lect. Read in Alsted et
27) A. M. prpd for Lect. graciously assisted in Lds work. After
Lect. dined wth ye Magistrates where ye Governor reflected on me, on
ye account of some passages in my serm11. viz. yt strangers sd, yt yy had
seen more drunkennes in N. E. in halfe a year yn in E. in all yir
lives. Hee sd yt yy yt sd so lyed. And yt yr was more drunkennes in
N. E. many years agoe yn yr is now, yea at ye first beginning of ys
Colony. Mr. Stoughton Replyed pleasantly, yt I must pch a Recantatn
sermon. I told him, no, but if men wld not accept my Labors God
will. As for ye Governor, He hath bin ye principal Author of ye
multitude of ordinaries wch be in Boston, giving licences wn ye towns-
men wld not doe it. No wonder yt N. E. is visited, wn ye Head is so
spirited. [49]
1 Dr. Leonard Hoar died on November 28, 1675, and this allusion is to the
catalogue of his library.
2 Hev. Seth Fletcher, of Saco, Maine, See Historical Collections (fourth
series, VIII. 599 note).
24
28) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M.
Sad thoughts in my Hrt wth respect to ye state of ys poor countrey,
fearing yet greater Judgt ; e ill success as to Armies : Bee. 1 : God
seemes to be agt vs in resp. of ye season A fortnight or 3 weekes
since it was bitter cold, yt pvisn could riot reach ye Army, wn yy had
ye Indians at an advantage. Now it is like April (some yt have bin
in ye countrey above 40 yea 50 years cgfesg yy never knew ye like
at ye time of ye year) whereby ye Indians have an advantage to escape.
2. people are not Humbled e Reformed, full of murmurings, e vnrea-
sonable Rage agt ye enemy. 3. It is to be feared yt yir is guilt vpon
ye Land in resp. of ye Indians yea Guilt of blood in resp. of ye Indian
so treacherously murdered at Chelrnsford. I am affraid God will visit
for yt gf. 4. one of ye great sins of N. E. is a noli me tangere, to E.
straithandedness towards ministry e ye ordinances of God. 5. Magis-
trates have no Heart to doe wt yy might in order to Reformation,
espty ye Governor. Nor will yy call vpon ye churches to renew yir covt
wth God. Ld be mercifull e fit for yi Holy pleasure. [46*]
29) prpd for sabbath, examining my selfe e state bef ye Ld, I was
not wthout Hope yt converting grace saving grace e some growth yin,
wrought in my soul. The Ld Jesus add vnto it !
30) A. M. assisted in pching beyond expectat11 gracious quicknings
& enlargements, at ye Lords supp. Blessed be God in ct ! P. M. mr.
Epps pched.
31) A. M. several visitors et P. M. heard Relations of 3 desiring
to Joyn to church. Read coments on Rev. 3. 1.
12m- ld>) A. M. studyed serm. sic P. M. Read in Clark 2 vol.
2) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. After mr Thacher Lect. wth elders
et And wth old Negos who sent to speake wth me, being a Lament-
able object, crying out yt ye devill had power over him, e yt yr was no
hope for him, yt God. had forsaken him, e answered him not Hee is an
old e hath bin a strict pfessor formerly, but Love of drink e a proud high
spirit, hath brought him to ys misery.
3) A. M. studyed sermn. After Lect. wth elders, studyed serm". [47*]
4) A. M. at church-meeting, where I read several of ye Laws re-
specting Reformat11, pticularly those Laws wch respect excess in apparel,
& Townedwellers being at Taverns, & solemnly exhorted ye church to
attend ye things yr mentioned. Also I read yt wch was recomended
to churches respecting yr childre" of ye church, declaring my willing-
ness to attend wt I thought ye Rule required in yt respect, I desired yt
yy will bring to me ye Names e ages of yir children, yt I might send
for ym, e enquire into yir spte estates &c.
After ye church was gone C[aptaiu Thomas]. Lake e mr Richards
stayed, & C. Lake sd (ye other seconding him) yt wn ministers did lay a
solemn charge vpon people, it might take in ye ignorant, but no rational
25
men wld regd wt was sd ye more for yt. I told ym, Truth had ye
more Authority with it wn it came in such a way, as wn a Father
injoyned ys or yt duty, yr was ye more weight spoke in wt was sd, bee.
it came fro"1 a Father. And 1 put ym in mind of yt scripture. Heb.
13. 17. [48*]
5) prpd for sabbath.
6) A, M. Mr Gershm Hubbard l prched. P. M. Ld graciously as-
sisted me in his work.
7) A. M. discourses wth visitors. P. M. wrote ires to E. Read in
Clarke.
8) A. M. Wth mr Fostr at his press &c dined at mr deanes. P. M.
discourse wth mr Thacher, shepard et. Read de doctoribus Misnicis.
9) A. M. study ed sermn. P. M. read Goclenij Logicae praxin. e
Ration, disputandi. Read in Clark et
10) A.M. studyed sermn. After Lect. wth elders, visited several,
studyed serm.
11) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M.
12) prpd for sabbath.
13) Ld assisted in his work both pts of day. To him alone be all
ye prayse. [49*]
14) A. M. read coments in Josh. 7. P. M. visited several.
15) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. composed ye difference between
R. W. e his wife et
16) A.M. studyed sermn. P.M. At Obadiah Walkers Funerall.
17) A. M. studyed serm11. After Lect. wth elders. And wh Coun-
cil at Mr. Rowlandsons 2 request, to desire yt meanes might be vsed to
Redeem his wife e children out of hands of enemy et
18) A.M. studyed serm. P. M. read on Owen de Theol.
19) prpd for sabbath
20) A. M. mr. epps phed. P. M. graciously assisted in Lds worke.
21) A. M. wth mr. Allen, Governor et. P. M. studyed sermn.
22) Fasted e prayed in my study.
23) prpd for day of Humiliatn. [50]
24) Grounds of Hurniliatn. 1. My old sins. 2. Abiding pgs.
3. Not being sutably affected wth ye awefull pvidences of God round
about. As to Publick. 1. ptestant Interest Low. A sad Inundatn in
Holland. 2. In Virginia many English killed. 3. N. E. in a miserable
state. This day fortnight Lancaster in great pt destroyed ; Many taken
captive e killed by Heathen, mr Rowlandsons Family carried captives.
1 Rev. Gershom Hobart, who a year or two later was settled over the church
at Groton. Together with two brothers lie graduated at Harvard College in the
Class of 1667. See Sibley's Harvard Graduates (II. 229-234).
2 Rev. Joseph Rowlandson, of Lancaster, whpse family was captured on Feb-
ruary 10, 1675-6, by the Indians.
4
26
Last 2d day, Medfield in great pt destroyed. 4. There is a Malignant
Fever in Salem e in Boston. In diverse Houses near mine.
Requests to God in ct. 1. yt more of his spirit given to me. 2. That
his prsence may be wth me in his work. 3. Yt my Family graciously
prserved by him.
As to Publick. 1. The Ld have mercy on his Jerusalem every
where. 2 pitty N. E. 3. sanctify yes Judgts. 4. Have Compass11
on yrn yt deep suffers in ys day of calamity. 5. Restore peace to ys
Land. 6. prserve Boston from desolating judgts. Amen ! O Lord
Amen !
A. M. Mr Noel prayed. Mr. Allen pched. P. M. Mr Eliot prayed.
I pched. Ld graciously assisted. [51]
25) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M.
26) prpd for sabbath, examining self Hopes yt grace e some grace
in soul.
27) A. M. graciously assisted in prayr e pching; e quickened at
Lds Table. P. M. my br Cotton phed.
28) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M. e read in Clarkes examples.
29) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. Read in Clarke.
lm ld>) prpd for day of Humiliatn. appoynted by General Court.
Causes for Humiliatn 1. psonal. Former pgs. And prsent evills;
Alas I am not affected wth ye miseries of others as I sld be ; Nor wth
ye dolefull state of ys Countrey. pride, vnthankfullness. vnbelief. car-
nality. 2. Publick. great desolation lately come vpon 2 Plantations.
The sword not yet putt vp. grievous sinning e murmuring amongst ye
people. Famine e other Judgts seem near at hand. [52]
Request to God in ct. That more of his spirit may be given to me
that Hee would enable me to carry it in ys day of Temptatio11, as shall
be pleasing in his sight, e for ye honor of his Name. That Hee would
bless e pvide for my Poor sinfull Family. That Hee would sanctify
yes awfull Judgts on ye Countrey. And Reverse ym in due Time.
Rebuke ye Heathen, psy Armies. Prserve Boston from desolating
Judgts. Amen ! gracious God, Amen !
2) I have ye greater cause to be Humbled ys day in yt my precious
mother dyed on ys day of ye month, 21 years agoe.
A. M. Mr Fletcher prched. P. M. P. M. [we] Ld graciously assisted
me in prayr & in pching also. To him be glory forever.
3) A. M. studyed serm". sic P. M.
4) prpd for sabbath [53]
5) A. M. Mr Corlet pched P. M. graciously assisted.
6) A.M. Read coments in 2 Tim. 3. 5. sic P.M. Read in Owen
Theol.
7) A. M. mr Higg. wh me et Interrupted in studyes by visitations
et P. M. studyed sermn.
8) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M. Read in Clarkes examples.
9) A. M. studyed sermn. After Lect. wth elders. At night studyed
serm.
10) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. at Nathan Rainsfords l Funeral.
11) prpd for sabbath.
12) A.M. Mr Gersho"1 Hubbard phed P.M. graciously assisted in
Lds work.
13) A.M. wrote Ire about Renewing Covt. P.M. at S. Greens et
14) A.M. studyed sermn. sic P. M. supped at Mrs Hoars. [54]
15) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M. Read Clark 2d vol.
16) A.M. studyed sermn. After Lect. wth elders. And wth mr
Thacher studyed sermn.
17) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M. visited Mr Wigglesworth,
C[aptain William]. Davis, Mrs Winslow yy being sick.
18) prpd for sabbath.
19) A.M. Mr Epps prched. P. M. graciously assisted.
20) A. M. visitors wth me. P. M. wth mr Thr e mr All. about
Lres to ministers et. studyed sermn. at night.
21) studyed sermn. sic P. M.
22) Fasted e prayed in my study, e prpd for Lecture.
23) A. M. prpd for Lect. Assisted in some measure in Lds work.
After Lect. wth elders, e wth mr Rowlandson et [55 J
24) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M.
25. 1676. prpd for sabbath, examined my selfe by ye signs of vp-
rightness in Scudders dayly walk, e by ye signs of a godly man in Byfield,
as also by ye markes I am wont to examine by ; & I was not wthout
Hope yt a work of grace is wrought in my soulj e some growth yriu.
Ld Jesus perfect it.
26) graciously quickned at Lds Table ys day & assisted in pching
both pts of ye day
27) A. M. Read in Owen de Theol. P. M. visited several widows
et Read in Clark
28) A. M. studyed serm". P. M. Read in Clark 2. vol. ad finem vs^.
29) A.M. studyed serm". After Lect. at Mr. Thachers, C[aptain
Thomas]. Lakes et studyed serrn".
30) A. M. studyed serm". After Lect. wh elders, visited Governor
Winthrop 2 who ill &c. [56]
31) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. discourse wth my br Tim. studyed
sermn.
2m ld) prpd for sabbath
2) A. M. Mr Gersh. Hubbard prhed P. M. graciously assisted in
Lds work.
1 A merchant of Boston, who had previously been a cooper at Charlestown.
2 John Winthrop, Jr., Governor of Connecticut, who died on April 6.
28
3) At Cambridge ys day, where ye Corporation mett to consider of
Colledge affairs.
4) A. M. wrote Ire to Dr Owen &c P. M. visited Governor Win-
throp who sick, e C[aptain]. Davis et. Read in Dr Sibs. et
5) A. M. read in Dr Sibs. P. M. at G. Wftms burial, studyed
sermn.
6) A. M. studyed sermn. Interrupted in study wh Sams, illness.
After Lect. wh elders. And discourse wth elder Humphrey et.
7) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M. onely disturbed wth Sams,
illness.
8) prpd for sabbath. [57]
9) A. M. graciously assisted in Lds worke. P. M. Rowlandson
pched.
10) A.M. Read Mortons Hist, of N. E. P. M. at Governor Win-
throps Funeral. Read in Morton.
11) A.M. Read in Hall of Magistrates. P.M. read coments on
1 Pet. 4. 17.
12) A. M. at chrch-meeting where Mr Alcock & Mrs Moulder,
made Relations et P. M. visited several, studyed sermn. At chrch-
meeting. I ppounded yt church wld looke after further supply as to
ministry but yy not willing, but desired deac. to distribute out of con-
tributn towards such as sld occasionally ph, 10s et
13) A.M. studyed sermn. After Lect wth elders. At Mrs Wades.
S. Greens et.
14) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M.
15) prpd for sabbath.
16) A. M. Mr Hubbard prhed. P. M. Assisted graciously. [58]
17) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. visited several who sick, e
studyed sermn.
18) Fasted e prayed in my study, wth hopes of gracious acceptance
in Jesus ct
19) prpd for day of Humiliatn at old Meeting House.
20) Day of Humiliatn at old meeting. A. M. mr Noel prayd, e mr
Allen pched P. M. mr Allen prayd, e I pched & prayd. graciously
assisted in Lds worke.
21) studyed (& also comitted to memory) a whole sermon ys
day.
22) prpd for sabbath. examining selfe, hopes yt grace & some
growth yrin wrought in my soul. Let Jesus Christ carry it on to
pfection !
23) A. M. graciously assisted in Lds work quicknings at Lds
Table. P. M. mr Wiswall prched.
24) A. M. Read in Hall on 2 Tim. 3. dined at mr. Diers. P. M.
visited several. Read in Owen Theol. [59]
29
25) A. M. read in Owen de Theol. P. M. visited mr Th. Sheaf mr
Wiggl. Read in Owen, e Clark examples.
26) A.M. studyed sermn. After Lect. wth elders et. Read paps
out of E. et.
27) A. M. studyed sermn. After Lect at Maj. Willards 1 Funeral, et
28) A.M. discourse wh br J. C. P. M. at mr Lidgets2 Funeral,
studyed sermn.
29) prpd for sabbath.
30) A. M. mr Hubbard pched. P. M. graciously assisted in Lds
worke.
3m ld) A. M. wrote Hist of warr Indians, sic P. M.
2) Wrote more of Hist, sic P.M. e discourse wh diverse elders yt
visited me ys day.
3) Election day. P. M. wh elders at Mr Aliens e Mr Vshers.
4) A. M. wth elders at mr Thachers. sic P. M. e at General Court
At evening prayed wth Hannah Collicot who lay a dying. [60]
5) Little sleep in night bee. of Naths. Illness. A. M. wrote more of
History. P. M. studyed sermn.
6) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. at burial of Hannah Collicot. visited
mr Deering et
7) A.M. Mr Arnold prched. P. M. my br J. C. pched.
8) A. M. wrote exh. sic P. M. Much of Time taken up wth visitors.
9) Grounds of Humiliatn bef ye Ld. psonal. old sins. Abiding
pgs. Bodily distemps prevayling vpon my children espty Nath. & Sam.
Publick. The Good People in E. are still exposed to sufferings. In
Virginia ye Indians Cutt off many of ye english. N. E. is in sad es-
tate. The warr wth ye Indians still having little success. Nor fitness
for deliverance, ys is a sickly time, many in Boston ill. some dye.
Requests to God in ct. Mercy from his people abroad, for N. E.
For Boston For my sinfull Family that health may be yrin For my-
selfe, yt I may be guided e assisted as to writing de state of N. E. et [ei]
10) A.M. wrote pt of exh. sic P.M. Interrupted by visitors,
wrote more of exh. At mrs wheatons Funeral.
11) A. M. wrote more of exh. After Lect wh elders, wrote more
of exh.
12) A. M. wrote more of exh. sic P. M. discourse wh visitors.
13) prpd for sabbath.
14) A. M. Mr Willard 3 prched. P. M. graciously assisted.
1 Major Simon Willard, of Groton, whose house there was the first one burned
when that town was destroyed by the Indians, on the 13th of the preceding
month. He died at Charlestowu on April 24.
2 Peter Lidget, a rich merchant of Boston, who died on April 26.
3 Rev. Samuel Willard, of Groton, then without a charge, as that town had
been destroyed by the Indians a few weeks previously. Soon afterward he was
settled over the Third Church (Old South) in Boston, and later he became the
Vice-President of Harvard College.
30
15) A. M. visited several yt sick. P. M. Wrote more of exh.
1 6) A. M. Finished exhort. P. M. at mr Russels l Funeral in
Charles Towne. Read in morning exercise et
17) A. M. study ed sermn. P. M. at Funeral of mr Vsher.2
18) A. M. Transcribed exh. After Lect at mr Atwaters 8 Funeral,
wh A. I told him yt ye report yt he & his wife e B. d. lay all in one
bed at Salem. Hee sd so did, e Justified it bee. intended no hurt, e it
was his wives desire yt it sld be so. I am afraid scandal to ye gospell
will so arise, much sin be comitted e greater Judgt hastned on ys
place. [62]
19) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M. And at Mrs Wades Funeral.
20) Fasted & prayed bef ye Ld in my study examined myselfe, &
prpd for sabbath.
21) A. M. graciously assisted. And quickned at Lds Table. Be-
tween meetings prayed wh C. davis, e Mr Thacher, who very sick.
P. M. Mr [William] Wooddrope prched. visited 4 several sick
Families.
22) A. M. wrote eple ad Hist. P. M. visited sick psons vp e down.
23) A. M. visited sick, sic P. M. in 10 sick Families ys day. cor-
rected pt of M.SS.
24) A. M. corrected M.SS.
After Lect wh mr Thacher who sick, e wh mother et. studyed sermn.
25) A. M. studyed sermn. After Lect wth elders, studyed serm".
26) A.M. studyed sermn. sic P. M. At C. davis4 Funeral. [63]
27) prpd for sabbath.
28) A. M. mr G. Hubbard phed. P. M. graciously Assisted in ye
Lords work.
29) A. M. visited sick psons. pvsed M.SS. P. M. pvsed my mothers
M.SS.
30) A.M. discourse wth friends. P.M. Read in Owen de Theol.
At Mrs deerings Funeral, prayed wh several sick children.
31) A. M. visited several sick psons. P.M. pvsed my mothers
M.SS. e took Inventory. Read in Clarks examp
4m- ld) A. M. studyed sermn. After Lect wh elders. & at Mr
Thachers who ill agn.
2) A. M. visited several sick psons. P. M. studyed serm11. discourse
wth my br. S. e J.
3) A. M. Looked over, e made divis11 of movables et. P. M. prpd
for sabbath.
1 Richard Russell, who died on May 14, according to Sewall's Diary. " A
magistrate and the County Treasurer; a godly man." (Hull's Diary, p. 242.)
2 Hezekiah Usher, who died on May 14.
3 Joshua Atwater, who died on May 16.
4 Captain William Davis, who commanded a company in the Pequot War,
and was also the commander of the Artillery Company.
31
4) A. M. my br. J. C. phed. P. M. my br. S. C. I prhed at
dorchester. [64]
5) A. M. at Artillery elect". I refused to dine wth souldiers bee.
it was in an ordinary, contrary to ye Law established, as considering,
it wld not be possible to Reforme ye comon sort of people in things
of yt con, if Leaders did not set bef ym a good example. P. M.
divided Rest of movables et
6) A. M. wrote more of History. P. M. studyed sermn et.
7) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. visited several et.
8) A.M. studyed sermn. After Lect. visited several. At Mrs
Minots l Funeral et
9) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M.
10) prpd for sabbath
11) A.M. mr Emerson prhed. P.M. Assisted in some measure
in Lds worke.
12) A. M. wrote Ires to E. P. M. Read in Clarkes examples.
13) A. M. studyed serm". P. M. read in Clarke, catechised chil-
dren. [65]
14) Fasted e prayed in my study.
15) A. M. Added to History. After Lect. wth elders, et.
16) A.M. studyed sermn. Read History of Severitus [Servetus?]
P. M. Studyed sermn. Read Franklin of Antict.
17) prpd for sabbath, examining state, Hopes yt grace & some
growth yrin.
18) A. M. Assisted (in some measure) in pching e prayr. Quick-
ened at Lds supp in last prayr.
19) A. M. studyed serm". sic P. M.
20) prpd for day of Humiliatn in or congregation.
21) causes of Humiliatn. Publick. 1. The chts in E. in suffer-
ing conditn 2 The sword is drawn still in N. E. 3. of late it hath
bin a sickly Time, private, old sins, present pgs. matters of prayr.
1. Mercy for E. 2. for N. E. 3. success to Armeo already 4. yt
peace may be Restored. 5. Boston prserved. personal. [66] 1. For
more of cts spirit. 2. His prseuce wth me in his worke. 3. guidance
as to Labors in writing et.
A. M. Ld assisted in prayr Mr Willard phed. P. M. graciously
assisted in ye Lds worke.
22) A. M. studyed sermn. After Lect. wth elders. & at Mr
Thachers et.
23) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M. e read Coma Berenices et
24) prpd for sabbath.
1 Mrs. Mary Minot, widow of Captain John Minot, whose will is dated June 5,
1676.
32
25) A. M. Mr Willard prched. P. M. graciously assisted in phing
e in prayr.
26) A. M. studyed sermn. P.M. Read in Moxon of Globes et.
27) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. wrote more of History. Read in
Clarkes examples. [67]
28) prpd for day of Thanksgiving.
29) grounds of Thaiikfullness bef ye Lord. 1. Publick ; all those 8
pticulers mentioned in sermn to day. 2. psonal. Former mercyes men-
tioned in diary. 1672. p. 31, 32. of late. 1. God hath given me
esteem amongst his people. 2. something of his prsence in his worke
3. Hath prserved my habitation & Bookes, wn several ministers, (mr
Glover, Rowlandsou, dumer) in ys Land have bin deprived of such
mercyes. 4. Hath continued Health to me. yea wn of late almost
every body was ill of ye cold yt was epidemical, God spared me ye chief
of sinners. 5 Hath plentifully pvided for me in yes difficult Times.
6. He hath healed my sick children. Nath. e Sam. were both sick in
ye spring, but God hath recovered ym. Samuel was near to death
again about a fortnight agoe, I Fasted e prayed for his Life, & God
hath heard me. Let his Name alone have pra}Tse e glory ! Bless ye
Lord O my soul ! [68]
A. M. Assisted in some measure in work of Ld. P. M. Mr Brins-
mead prhed.
30) A. M. discourse wth those yt visited me. P. M. visited others.
5m ld) A. M. wrote additon to History & exhort. P. M. read in
Herberts pson. studyed serm", last disappointed in Helpe.
2) A. M. mr Hubbard pched. P. M. mr Richardson prhed. I
rode to dorchester & pched yr. graciously assisted in ye Lds work.
3) A. M. wrote more of History, sic P. M. e wth mr Thacher et
4) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. Read Herberts Countrey pson.
Read in Clarks Examples.
5) A.M. studyed sermn. sic P.M.
6) A. M. studyed sermn. After Lect. wth elders, visited sundry.
7) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. wrote more of History, catechised
children. Read Mays History of warr in E. [69]
8) prpd for sabbath.
9) A. M. graciously assisted in Lds worke. P. M. mr Clark prhd.
10) A. M. discourse wth mr J. R.1 P. M. wh mr Th. at Charles
Town to discourse wh mr. Shepd about connecticot contribut" et Read
mr Stows ire to mr Miles. Read in Owen
11) A.M. studyed serrnn. P.M. listn forg child weake. [This
entry has been crossed out.~\
1 Perhaps John Richards, a member of his church and a prominent man in
the community.
33
11) A.M. read in owen on Heb. 2 vol. P.M. discourse wh mr
Th. e Mr shep. Read coments on Heb. 4.
12) Fasted e prayd in my study. Hopes of gracious acceptance
through ye merit e mediat" of ct.
13) A. M. studyed sermn. After Lect wth elders, e at printers et.
14) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. read de swearing in Boreman,
Powell et
15) prpd for sabbath, examining selfe, Hopes yt grace e some
growth yrin wrought in my soul. [70]
1 6) A. M. assisted in some measure in Lds worke. graciously quick-
ned at Lds supper.
17) A.M. studyed serrn". sic P.M. e visited several.
18) prpd for Lecture.
19) prhed Lect at New Meeting House Assisted in some measure.
After Lect. wth mr Thacher. At printers1 et.
20) A. M. studyed sermn. After Lect. wth elders. At printers et.
21) studyed sermn. Read de swearing, discourse wth mr Brock et
22) prpd for sabbath.
23) A. M. Mr Hubbard prhed. P. M. graciously assisted in Lds
worke.
24) A. M. discourse wth several. P. M. visited several (dined at
mr diers). wrote eple to exh
25) A. M. wrote more of History. P. M. Read in Voetius. [7l]
26) A. M. wrote eple. P. M. Read in Voetius. Hist, of For-
mosa et
27) A. M. studyed serm". After Lect. wth elders.
28) A. M. studyed serm11. sic P. M. read in Clark e Caryl.
29) prpd for sabbath.
30) A.M. graciously assisted in Lds worke. P.M. mr. [William]
Brinsmead prhd.
31) A. M. wth Mr Winthrope et. P. M. wh. mr Thacher, &c.
wrote Hist.
g.n. j<i) ^ jyj j£ea(j JQ Cowdry e Hughs of sabbath, dined wh
Comiss. at mr Jolliffs. P. M. Read in Owen of sabbath.
2) A. M. wrote more of Hist. P. M. read de sabbathe.
3) A. M. studyed serm11. After Lect wth Magistrates, e wth mr
Thacher et
4) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M. Read in Twiss e Bownd of
sabbath.
5) prpd for sabbath.
6) A. M. Mr Willard prhed. P.M. Ld assisted in his worke. [72]
1 At this period John Foster was the only printer in Boston. "An Earnest
Exhortation to the Inhabitants of New-England " by Mather, was printed about
this time.
5
34
7) Fasted e prayed in my study, though much interrupted, by visi-
tatio"s of those yt come to see me et.
8) At CoiTienct in Cambridge. At night wth Capt Foster 1 of dor-
chester, who desired me to have special care de his sons in Boston after
his death et
9) A. M. wrote more of Hist. P. M. wth elders at Generall
Court et
10) This day spent wth elders in consultat". Mr Cobbet, mr
Thacher, mr oakes, mr shepd mr Torrey, e my selfe appointed as a
Comittee to draw vp elders answere to q. of general court, so yt wee
could not attend ye Lecture, bee. taken vp wholly wth ys affair. There
was a gracious prsence of God wth vs. No one but Mr Hubbard of
Hingham, declaring nonconcurrence wth ye Rest. Although mr Eliot
at first scrupled, yet at last Hee consented.
11) A. M. study ed sermn. sic P. M.
12) prpd for sabbath, examining selfe found signs of grace e some
growth yrin. Ld for more !
13) A. M. graciously assisted in prhing e prayr. some quicknings at
[73] at Lds Table, esply in last prayr, wn I sayd vnto God. wee
know yo wilt bestow great glory vpon vs in another world forever, but
shall not wee yn yrin endeavor to bring much glory vnto yee, wn last
wee are, in ys world ? Now Lord Help vs in it !
P. M. Mr Bulkley prched.
14) A.M. wrote History.2 P.M. visited several. Read in Clarkes
Examples.
15) A.M. wrote ires to E. P. M. visited sick e others.
16) A. M. wrote Hist After Lect. wh mr Thacher. Read Owen
of sabbath.
17) A.M. studyed sermn. After Lect wh elders. At press et Read
in Chamberlain state of E.
18) A. M. studyed serin", sic P. M. e read Lds day sabbath, et.
19) prpd for sabbath. [74]
20) A. M. mr Hubbard prhed. P. M. graciously assisted in Gods
worke.
21) A.M. Finished History. P.M. Visited several. Read de Th
Comandt.
22) At Cambridge where Corporatn mett about chusing a Fellow.
23) A. M. studyed sermn. Read Camel e Rivet et on precept. 5.
P. M. at Peter Bennets Funeral et.
24) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. wth elders. At printers, e at mr
Allins et
1 Hopestill Foster, father of John, the first printer of Boston.
2 An allusion to Mather's " Brief History of the War with the Indians in
New-England, (From June 24, 1675. ... to August 12, 1675. .
35
25) A. M. studyed serm". P. M. At Governors, studyed serm".
Read in Clarke.
26) prpd for sabbath.
27) A. M. mr Willard pchd. P. M. Ld assisted in his worke.
28) A. M. wrote Ires. P. M. visited several
29) A. M. Read of Covetousn. P. M. studyed sermn.
80) studyed sermn. Read in Capell Hall et [75]
31) A.M. studyed serm". After Lect. wth elders, e at Corporat"
meeting, e at br Collicots wh mr deering et
7in- ld) studyed serm11.
2) prpd for sabbath.
3) A. M. Mr. Corlet phed. P. M. Ld. assisted in work in some
measure.
4) A. M. Read in Help to disc. P. M. spent in visitations.
5) A. M. Read coilients in Heb. 13. P. M. visited sick psons et
6) Fasted e prayd in mv study.
7) A. M. Interrupted wh visitats. After Lect. wth elders, dined
at mr Aliens, studyed sermn.
8) A. M. studyed serm". P. M. discourse wh R. W. de Mr W.
Hee sd, yt had heard 20 men say of me, yt if I wld leave Bl yt my
Hearers yt if I wld Leave ym I might ; e if I were gone, yy did not
doubt but yy sld have a better, et. but named onely 2 yt dead, who I
believe never spake so seriously. [76]
prpd for sabbath, examining selfe, hopes yt grace e some growth
yrin wrought in my soul.
10) A. M. Assisted in some measure in prhing e in prayr. & ad-
ministring at Lds Table, though not so quickned as at some Times.
P. M. Mr Willard prched.
11) A. M. Read in Owen Theol. P. M. In Comon where Training
et.2 At mrs davenports Funeral.
12) A.M. spent mostly in discourse wh visitors, espty G. Biles 2
such de spte estate. P. M wth Mr T. to pswade him to pray in hs
Familye. Read in Help to discourse.
13) A. M. discourse wth Mr Barclay. P. M. Read Theol. of Judgt,
e Clark de Avaritia.
14) A. M. studyed serm". After Lect. wth elders et
15) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M. e discourses wh friends et
1 6) prpd for sabbath.
1 7) A. M. graciously assisted in pching e prayr. P. M. mr. Bar-
clay prched. [77]
1 Italicized words crossed out in the original.
2 According to a manuscript entry in an old almanac, there was this day a
" Mock Fight. Indian Fight," presumably on the Common, as that was then the
Training Field. See Se wall's Diary (I. 16 note).
36
18) A. M. visited several wh Mr Barclay. P. M. visited others et
19) A. M. wrote Ires. Read mr Lawsons paps. P. M. visited
several. Read in Owen Theol.
20) A. M. Read dr Stoughton of Covetousuess. P. M. Read in
Hall on 2 Tim. 3. 2. At Mrs Endicotts Funeral.
21) A.M. studyed sermn. After Lect wth elders, discourse wth Mr
Stoughton
22) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M.. Read in discourse of witchchraft.
studyed sermn.
23 prpd for sabbath.
24) A. M. mr Barclay prhed. P. M. Assisted in some measure
though not so iularged as at some Times.
25) A.M. studyed serai". P.M. visited several.
26) A. M. visited mr Lake e others. P. M. Read mr Neh. wis-
weles M.SS. catechised e examined ch. Morals children
27) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. read Help to disc, ad finem
vso,. [78]
28) A. M. studyed sermn. After Lect dined wth Comissioners.
visited Mr davenport e Mr Willard et studyed sermn.
29 A. M. Read de sacrifice. P. M. rode to dorchester to visit
Capt Foster.1 Read in Owens exercit. 24
30) prpd for sabbath.
ld A. M. my br. J. C. prhed. P.M. graciously assisted.
gm. 2<i) rp^ ^ay? Interrupted wth visitors yt could doe little at my
study, onely wrote Ires.
3) At Roxbury where day of Humiliatn. At night studyed sermon.
4) A. M. studyed sermn. P. M. read de sacrificio.
5) A. M. studyed serai". After Lect. wth elders, et Read in Syn.
Ley den. de Missa.
6) Fasted & prayd in my study. At night Read in Albaspinus de
Ritibus Ecclesiae.
7) prpd for sabbath. Examining my Hrt e state bef ye Ld, I had
Hopes yt grace e some growth yrin. wrought in my soul.
8) A. M. graciously assisted, some quicknings at Lds Table. P. M.
Mr. Rowlandson phd [79]
9) studyed serm".
10) prpd for day of Humiliatn at new Meeting House.2
11) Grounds of Humiliatn. private. 1. old sins. 2. Remaining
pgs. 3. vnpfitableness. I doe little good in my generatn. 2. Publick
1. In E. things sad. 2. In N. E. sword is drawn still. 3. Cont a sickly
Time. Matters of supplicatn. 1st more of spirit of ct given to me.
2. yt my Labors may be successfull. 3. My Family blessed. 4. yt
1 Captain Hopestill Foster, who died on October 14, 1676.
2 Meeting-house of the Third Church.
37
Ld wld have mercy on his people in E. et. 5. That peace e Health
may be restored to N. E. Amen ! O God in christ Jesus Amen !
Fast in New meeting House.
A. M. Mr Thacher prayd e pched. P. M. Mr Allen prayd, e I pchd
e prayd. graciously assisted.
12) A.M. studyed sermn. sic P.M.. Not abroad at Lecture bee.
troubled wth flux.
13) A.M. studyed serra". sic P. M. e wrote Ire to Dublin et
14) prpd for sabbath, e wrote Ires et [80]
15) A. M. nir G. Hubbard prhed. P. M. graciously assisted in Lds
worke.
16) A.M. wrote Ires to E. P.M. at mr Allins where read Mr
Bonds M.SS. et
17) At Fast in Town House wth general court, in reference to
Messengers being sent to E. et
18) A. M. studyed serm". P. M. Read in clark. e in cic. orat.
19) A. M. studyed sermn. After Lect. wth elders. studyed
serm".
20) A. M. studyed serm". sic P. M. e catechised children.
21) prpd for sabbath.
22) A. M. Mr Willard prhd. P. M. graciously assisted in Lds
worke.
23) A. M. wrote defence agt mr B. sic P. M.
24) A. M. Read Autores de sinceritate. P. M. read C. g. M.SS.
about ye won
25) A. M. read C. G. M.SS. ad fmm. P. M. studyed serai", dis-
course wh C. Torrey et [81]
26) A. M. studyed serm". P.M. wh elders Atmrspaddyes Funeral,
studyed serm" et
27) A. M. studyed serm". P. M. at mrs. scarlets Funeral, et.
28) prpd for sabbath. Read in Purchase of America et
2(J) A. M. mr G. Hubbard prhed. P. M. Assisted in some meas-
ure, yet not so mch inlarged bef at many Times.
30) A. M. wrote Hist, of first Troubles by Indians. P. M. Read in
Purchase.
31) Fasted e Prayed in my study, some meltings of Hrt bef ye
Ld. e Hopes of gracious acceptance, through christ. Amen !
9m ld) A. M. Read in Purchase. P. M. wrote more of History et
2) A. M. studyed sermn. After Lect. wth elders dined at Mr Aliens,
studyed sermn.
3) A.M. wrote more of Hist, dined wh Magistrats. P.M. studyed
serm".
4) prpd for sabbath, examining my owne Hrt e state I had hopes
yt grace e some growth yrin wrought in my soul. [82]
38
5) A. M. graciously assisted e quickned at Lds Table. P. M. my
br. Cotton prhed
6) A. M. studyed serai". P. M. wrote more of Hist. At night
Read in Clark.
7) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M. e at mr John davenports Funeral.
8) prpd for day of thanksgiving.
9) grounds e causes of solemn thanksgivings bef ye Ld ys day. Be-
sides ye pticulars mentioned in diary. 1672. p. 31, 32. 1. Publick
mercyes merited in sermn. 2. The Ld hath bin prsent wth me in his
work. 3. Hee hath given me e my poor Labors to find acceptance
amongst his people. 4. Hath given Health to me e mine wn it hath
bin a sickly Time. 5. Hath graciously pvided for me, wn it hath bin a
difficult Time. 6. Hath restored my sick children (espty Samuel) to
health agn. Bless ye Lord 0 my soul.
A. M. mr Hubbard pched. P. M. graciously Assisted.
10) A. M. studyed serm". sic P. M. e read in Bell et At Mrs
Winthrops Funeral.
11) prpd for sabbath. Read mr H History of Pequot warr et [83]
12) A. M. mr Gersh. Hubbard phd. P. M. graciously assisted.
13) A.M. wrote more of Relatn of Troubles et sic P.M. Read
Mortn et
14) A. M. wrote more of Relat" et. P. M. visited sick. Read vt
prius
15) A. M. wrote more of Relat. P. M. Read in C. Smiths experi-
ences et. Read coments in Zeph. 3.
16) A. M. studyed sermn. sic P. M.
17) A. M. studyed serrn". P. M. at mrs Atwaters. studyed sermn
18) A.M. prpd for sabbath, sic P. M. Read mr Hub. M.SS.
19) A. M. mr Thornton prhed. P. M. graciously assisted.
20) A. M. Read in Johns". P. M. wrote Hist.
21) A. M. wrote Hist. P. M. Read Acts of Comissioners.
22) A. M. Read Acts of Comiss. e wrote more of Hist, sic P. M.
read on Rev. 3. 3.
23) A. M. studyed serm". After Lect. wh elders, studyed sermn.
[84]
24) A.M. studyed sermn. sic P. M.
25) prpd for sabbath.
26) A. M. mr Gersh. Hubbard pchd. P. M. Ld assisted me gra-
ciously. This was ye last serai" (from Rev. 3. 3. Rfcr thfo how red et)
yt was pched in or Meeting House.
27) This was ye Fatal e dismall day, wn ye Meeting House e Houses
yrabouts, e mine amongst ye Rest, were burnt wh fire.1 The services
1 In " Parentator " (p. 78) it is said by Cotton Mather that this fire was pre-
dicted by his father in the sermon which he preached eight days before the event.
39
of ye day were such yt I could doe noth. at my study. I e my wife e
several of my children were kindly entertayned at Mr Richards. The
Lord reward him.
28) This morning bef I rise, ys thought came into my mind, Is Judgt
begun at ye House of God ! Must it begin wth me ? And is this all ?
Shall ye cupp pass away from me so ? My hrt was melted bef ye Ld.
Surely, I see yt God is a Loving e tender hrted Father, inasmuch as
Hee is pleased to afflict me Correct me wth so much gentleness. Time
taken vp in distractns by reasn of desolations wch made yesterday.
29) A. M. Time spent in drying my Bookes e taking care about an-
other House et P. M. Removed things to C. Bredons House. [85]
30) A. M. studyed sermn. Read in schindler de Moseroth. P. M.
studyed sermn
10m- ld) visited mr Vsher, mr Thacher et. P. M. dined at mr
Vshers et.
2) A. M. Read in Aul. Gellius. P. M. pvsed dr Hoars Bookes.
exercising selfe. Hopes of grace in soul.
3) My selfe e most of or church mett ys day at ye old church, where
ye sacrt was admiuistred. God hath by fire driven vs out of his House
in one place ; but He admitts vs into his House else where, e so in Judgt
doth rfcr mercy.
4) A. M. geting Bookes at mrs Hoars.1 where dined, sic P. M.
5) Removed from mr Richards to yt House wch was Capt Bredons.
6) The Time spent in setting vp shelves e Bookes.
7) Day of Publick Hurailiatn. grounds of deep & sorrowfull Humi-
liatn bef ye Ld. The sword contiuueth still in Northern pts. There is
sickness e death in diverse places. The sad desolatn by Fire wch is
come vpon ys end of ye Town, whereby many of my poor Flock are gr
impoverished, e ys candlestick removed out of its place, the House of
God is Layd wast.
1 By the fire which took place on November 27, Mather lost " not an Hundred
Books from above a Thousand ; Of those also he had an immediate Hecruit, by a
Generous Offer which the Honourable Mrs. Bridget Hoar made him, to take
what he Pleased from the Library of her Deceased Husband " (Parentator,
p. 79). See Mather Papers (II. 29) in the Prince Library, for a list of books
given to him by Mrs. Hoar.
40
At a meeting of the MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL
SOCIETY, held in Boston on Thursday, January 11,
1900, Dr. SAMUEL A. GREEN made the following
remarks : —
In connection with the copy of Increase Mather's Diary
presented at the last meeting of the Historical Society, I wish
to submit certain extracts from another diary kept by Mather,
which covers in part the same period of time, and was received
from the same source. The entries in this book are much
fuller than those in the other. The extracts were made more
than a hundred years ago by Dr. Jeremy Belknap from the
original diary, which never came into the possession of the
Society. Presumably he selected such items as he could use
in his historical work, or such as interested him for some other
purpose. Various passages taken from the volume at the
time it was given, on March 11, 1858, appear in the Proceed-
ings (III. 317-320) of that date. For the most part these
extracts, then printed, related to Harvard College, and in the
present paper none of them is repeated, though a row of three
dots is inserted to mark such gaps. Apparently the diary was
kept between the years 1674 and 1687, as entries are found
during that period of time ; and there is no reason to suppose
that more than one volume was used by Dr. Belknap when he
made his selections.
It is highly probable that Dr. Belknap's extracts were not
always exact copies from the original diary, i. e., u letter-per-
fect" copies ; but were given in a somewhat shortened form,
though the substance was kept. In the small volume, later
referred to, there is a citation from John Marshall's journal
which is now in the possession of the Society. A compari-
son between the original manuscript and the copy made by
Dr. Belknap shows certain changes in the construction of sen-
tences and various omissions of words, but the sense remains
the same. There is also reason to think that fh a few places
he has interjected expressions of his own, but in such instances
I have not attempted to separate them from the text, or in
any way to decide the matter ; though what he has given
within brackets, I have added as notes at the bottom of the
41
page. From time to time he has left blank spaces in his copy,
presumably where he was unable to decipher Mather's hand-
writing, which is very illegible. In such instances I have
inserted the word blank within brackets.
Among the manuscripts used by the Rev. Thomas Prince,
when he compiled his u Chronological History of New-Eng-
land in the Form of Annals" (Boston, 1736), as appears from
his Preface (p. vii), was "An Account of memorable Things
in New- England, from 1674 to 1687 inclusively, written by the
late Rev. Dr. Increase Mather, in his own Hand." According
to Mr. Prince, the manuscript was in quarto form ; and it must
have been the identical diary now under consideration. In
former times it was customary to describe books and even
manuscripts by the folds in the paper, and to arrange them as
folios, quartos, octavos, etc., though such description would
by no means conform to the modern standard of sizes. Dr.
Belknap's extracts from the diary are found in a small blank-
book of 44 pages, which, since it came into the possession of
the Society, together with a fasciculus of selections made
by him from other sources, has been bound in half-morocco.
These latter selections, for the most part made from printed
sources, are not given in this paper.
In the copy now presented, for the sake of convenience, the
extracts have been arranged chronologically, which was not
done in the diary. The entries cover an interesting period in
the History of New England, and give details in regard to the
minor incidents of Philip's War, which are not found in the
more pretentious works relating to that event.
[There are four entries in the diary before November 20, which
appear in the Proceedings for March, 1858, and for that reason they
are here omitted.]
1674 Nov 20. Mr [Samuel] Danforth of Roxbury died, in ye 48th
year of his age. he was not sick a whole week.
Decr 15. Some plantations in Long Island refused to submit to the
Gov* settled at N York. The Govr of N Y went to ym in person W
120 armed men, whereupon they submitted to him. . . .
Decr 25. Marmaduke Johnson the Printer died in Boston. He had
just fitted his press to go to work. He was to have printed the Indian
bible.
Mr John Foster bought the press intendg to set up printing in
Boston.
6
42
In Feb? a report is come as if John Sausaman the Indian were
murdered. He was one of the Indian Preachers, of excellent parts &
as Mr Eliot thinks a sincere Convert.
News cometh that the good people in N Jersey are like to be deprived
of all their Estates. When ye former Gov was removed & the Dutch
took the place, the good people were glad of it & imprudently appointed
a day of thanksgiving. Now Providence has so ordered that the former
Gov is returned & iuraged. Good Mr Pierson was one that kept the
day of thanksg with his Chh. Christians should pray for wisdom as
well as innocency & sincerity. One imprudent act may bring a whole
people into trouble.
It is reported that the Gov of N York doth challenge the greatest
part of Connecticut Colony to be und his Jurisdic" This is like to
cause trouble.
At Martins vineyard diverse honest people are in great trouble, their
estates sequestred by reason of Mr M [blank] complaining to ye Gov
of N Y. . . .
19? 1™ I heard y* in Virginia there is a great want of Provision.
Men & beasts like to perish, and now they say thus " New England,
come & supply us & you shall be custom-free. This is very observable
yl in the 1st year when the act ag* N E was put in execution it should
be so with y- & that they shd be forced to desire help from N E.
Wheat is scarce among people in Boston. There is a designe at
N York to hinder supplies from coming hither that so the Trade of
Boston may be diminished & their own increased.
April 14. Cattle die at Rhode Island for want of food.
The famine like to rage in Virginia . . .
4d 2- 1675 Tis reported that at Nosset l an Indian Squaw being with
child the child was heard crying 3 days before it was born.2
29d 2? I heard y* in Long Island many cattle die, cows, sheep,
swine in abundance that there is like to be a scarcity of Provisions
also y* scarcity begining in some towns beyond New Haven.
In Long Island they complain of their new Gov. \])lank~] Ah poor
N E shall scarcity both of [blank] & sp! food come on thee ! both have
been despised.
3d -° This gen1 Court sev1 things happened troublesome & uncom-
fortable. Mr Graves being chosen a deputy for Charlestown,the house
of deputies were not free to accept of him as suspecting that he might
be prelatical in his principles. He refused to declare what his judgment
was in that matter therefore they would not receive him. Petitions
came from Charlestown on his behalf but in vain, thereby many
displeased.
1 Eastham on Cape Cod. N. B. Nobscusset is part of Yarmouth.
2 N B. There had been some difficulty in ye Chh there a little before.
43
Two men (we hear) have been at the Gen1 Court at Hartford as
sent from the Govr of N Y demanding a great part of the Colony as
belonging to N Y alledging that it was from favor only that their pa-
tent of any use to ym so long for y* no duplicate of it to be found upon
Record in London.
July. 12. We hear y* the Indians have destroyed sev1 Plantations in
Plyrn0 Colony. Middlebury all but one house burnt, & at Dartm0 all
but 8 houses, & most of the houses in Swansey & y* Ninicraft &
other Sachems join with Philip.
Tis the saddest time with N E y* euer was known.
The Gov of N Y with 50 Men double-armed came in a hostile Way
ag* Conecticut, but disappointed at Sea-brook, others having possession
of the fort.
20d 6- This week Capn [Edward] Hutchinson died by the wounds
wh he recd of the Indians [blank~\ It seems to be an observable provi-
dence y* so many of that family die by the hands of the uncircumcised.
His Mother (long ago) & sister. And now himself. His own rashness
brought this death on him. The last Sabbath he was in Boston he
went out of the meeting house in a discontent, because the [blank] ad-
monished a [blank] that had been divers times drunk. Some say he
refused to join, that he would hold communication with the [blank] no
more at the Ld's table. Mr Allen told me he sd so to him.
Sepr. 1. A day of humiliation in our Congregation, because of
trouble on acc° of Indians. The Magistrates kept Court this day,
(when the Ld did so visibly call them & all the Country to fasting &
mourning) whereby many kept from attending that service & much of
the solemnity of the day lost. I was troubled at this & expected to
hear more sad news, wch soon happened accordingly. For this week
news comes that on Septr 1 the very day when we were thus fasting
& others shd haue been so but would not, the Indians burnt 17 houses
& killed one man at Deerfield, which I haue the more reason to take
notice of in that my nephew Sam' Mather is Pastor there.
This day Amalek prevailed over Israel ! for Moses' hands were not
held up, as should have been ! 1
The Court of Assistants condemned S[amuel] G[iles] to die on acc°
of Rape committed between Haverhill & Newbury. They y* were sus-
pected for the Murder not found guilty.
Sep 14. The ferry boat coming from Charlestown sunk in the midst
of the River. There were in ye boat 14 passengers & 3 horses. One
of the Horses was drowned & one man of Watertown whose name was
[John] Shadock, He had been wonderfully preserved in the fight w ye
1 N. B. In his printed acc° of ye War he mentions ye fast & the mischief
at Deerfield but says nothing of the Magistrates non-attendance at public
worship.
44
Indians when Cap* Beers was killed. It is said that just before this
evil befel him, he had been in ye Tavern inveighing ag* the Magistrates
& that he was in drink when drowned. In the same boat Crisp was a
passanger, who was lately tryed on [blank] suspicion in respect of the
Murder committed in the winter, not evidence eno' to take away his
life. He was bid not to go into the boat because of the danger, but he
derided saying He yl was born to be hanged, will never be drowned,
& he was not drowned, though in such guilt. It is to be feared y* at
last hanging may be his Portion. . . .
This week somebody in the night time erected a Pillar over the
Quakers Graves (who were hanged) under the gallows & wrote " Here
lie the bodies of such & such, their souls triumphing in [blank] their
blood crying for Vengeance." This is an ill Omen.1
Oct. 24. This day Mr Cutts of Portsmouth died in Boston being sent
hither as a deputy. A solemn Providence y* one of the General Court
should die in the time of the Courts session ! and he died in the Gov-
ernor's house ! He was one of the richest men in New England.
Nov 9. This day the House of Deputies passed the Bill for Refor-
mation &c but the Magistrates would not pass it pretending they had
not time. And the night after the Lord forsook the English forces ;
for not far from Mendon Cap* Hinchman with his soldiers had a great
Opportunity to cut off the Indians who were asleep in a Wigwam but
after some firing his men cowardly ran away, when the Indians killed
his Lieu* & another, & were mightily animated &c, a sore rebuke !
Alas that Reformation should stick at the head ! Lord lay it not to
their charge, especially impute it riot to the Country !
Novr 15. The magistrates consented to the bill for Reformation as to
most of the Particulars contained therein.
Nov 18. Gen1 Court broke up in discontent [blank] lamentable
[blank] to the scandal of religion. . . .
In his printed acc° of the War p. 18, he makes this observation.
October 19 The conclusions of the Committee (viz of both houses
assisted by ye teaching elders) respecting Reformation were signed &
delivered into the Gen1 Court, who voted acceptance & appointed an-
other Committee to draw up laws in order to the establishm* &c Now
as I remember Fox the Martyrologist observes w respect to the refor-
mation in K Edw 6. days, y* the very day & hour when the act of
Reformation was put in Execution at London G gave ye P^ngh a signal
victory ag* the Scots at Musselborough, so it was proportionably with
us. For that day when the Vote was past the Lord gave success to our
forces at Hatfield &c
1 N. B. This writer deals much in Omens, & appears very superstitious, in
many of his remarks on Common Occurrences, vide finem hujus libri.
45
MS. 6d 10111 This day we hear y* another of the wounded Captains
viz Seily of Connecticut is dead. He died on the Sabbath ! It may be
it was not pleasing to God that the English should engage the Enemy
on the Sabbath day ! 1
I hear that a strange Creature was killed at Stonington in Connecticot
on Decr 15 by the description of it, it seems to be a Lion.
lld llm This day I hear that G has shot^an arrow into the midst of
this Town. The small pox is in an ordinary ye sign of the Swan, the
ordinary Keepers name is Windsor. His daughter is sick of the dis-
ease. It is observable that this disease begins at an alehouse, to testify
God's displeasure agl the sin of drunkenness & ye of multiplying ale-
houses !
12? The maid that was sick of the small pox is dead.
14? A Quaker (Robert Ford) nailed a note on the meeting house
doors in Boston, declaring that the ruin of this place was at hand. It
may be the Lord will preserve us notwithstanding [blank'] the false
prophets so speak !
21 & 22d 11- Strange warm weather like April, whereby the snow
exceedingly wasted, & it is to be feared, that the Indians will have great
advantage thereby to scatter & do mischief, so that the Lord seems to
be against us still & to take part with our adversaries ! 2
Connecticot hath hitherto escaped, but many times when a storm
cometh, the tail of it is most heavy & formidable. The places that
shall be punished most, shall be punished at last. Lord, be more
gracious ! . . .
8d 12- Strange warm weather like May, so as that I could not well
bear a fire in my study ! . . .
13d 1- This day the Indians set upon Groton, &c In the pursuit
after the Indians Turner the Anabaptist being made a Captain had like
to have been drowned. This seems to me an observable Providence,
that he who had dipped others & has been the principal cause of the
trouble raised by the Indians in that place.
12d W Clarke's house of Plyrn0 assaulted by the Indians this sab-
bath day. 11 persons killd. He sd to me about a month ago when I
told him he should not so condemn all the [blank] Indians as he did wish-
ing them hanged &c that their inocent blood would cry. He replied
that he would say as the Jews did, their blood be upon me & my Chil-
dren, which was a dreadful expression & made me fear what would
come upon his Children.
This week one that was taken Captive at Groton made an escape out
1 N. B. This was ye famous attack on the Narraganset fort, concerng wh in
his printed ace? he says " Here was not only a Victory but also a signal preserva-
tion, for wh let the Father of mercies have eternal glory ! "
'2 Strange! that there cannot be a warm day in Winter, but it must be a
Weather-breeder !
46
of the Enemy's hands. His name is Blood, a troublesome Man in that
place ! I wish that the return of such a Man to us may not be ominous
of a return of Blood ! . . .
May 9 [1676]. Our army wch is abroad met with a party of Indians
& dispersed about 13 of them. The praying Indians did approve them-
selves faithful to the English & did very good service at this as well as
at other Times, inasmuch as many who had hard thoughts of them begin
to blame themselves & to have a good opinion of the praying Indians
who have been so generally & so sinfully decryed. . . .
May 15. At Lieut Howland's Garison in Plymh was seen in the air
an Indian bow pointing from East to West ! l . . .
[June] 10 A ship arrived from E wherein there came one Randolph
who bro't a letter from the K about complaints made ag* this Govern? by
reason of Gorges & their patent & Interest in the Eastern parts.
Discoursing with Mr John Oliver he told me that when he was in the
streights & at Venice there were 40 Protestant Ministers bro't out of
Germany condemned to be galley slaves all their days ! Lord, pour out
a Vial upon the house of Austria !
July 30. This Evening being the Sabbath between 8 & 9 a'clock
there appeared a stream of fire.
August 7. Some of those Indians (women & Children) who lately sub-
mitted themselves to the English as they were gathering huckleberries
in Concord were murdered by 4 Englishmen. A sad thing. It may
be it will occasion the Indians to seek to revenge their blood which has
been shed & new troubles to arise. And if Justice be not done upon the
Murderers, God will take Vengeance. . . .
In the latter end of August many sick with fever & fluxes (especially
in Boston) which proved mortal. Above 50 died in Aug* in this Town.
In the last week in Aug* I hear of 11 that died in 2 days.
In the first Week in September 19 Persons indicted & tried for their
lives in Boston.
Sagamore Sam was brought in.
Sep 13. There were 8 Indians shot to death in Boston of those that
were bro't in from the Eastward.2
21. There were 3 Indians hanged & an Englishman hanged also, for
murdering the Indians not -far from Concord. Also another English-
man that was condemned should this day have been hanged but he died
in prison The like not known y* a Man should die or be sick on the
day appointed for his Execution, A sad thing also that English &
Indians should be executed together.
We hear that 40 Indians have submitted themselves to the English
1 Perhaps the edge of a cloud illuminated by the rising or setting sun. I have
seen divers appearances of the like kind.
2 These were taken at Cochecho by a Stratagem of Major Waldron.
47
at the Eastward, because afraid of the Mohawks who have killed
several.
22. This day Sagamore Sam was hanged at Boston. And the sick
Englishman that should have been executed the last Week (whose
name was Goble) was hanged with him. It seems a mad woman got
away the rope which should have hanged the English Man, wherefore
he was hanged with the very same rope wh had hanged the Indian just
before.
The same day 3 other Indians hanged, viz the Sagamore of Quaboag,
one-eyed John, & Jethro. They were betrayed into the hands of the
English by Indians.
Nov. 4. Mugg the Indian Cap1 came to Boston to treat about peace
with the Eastern Indians.
11. Discoursing with Mugg he told me that this winter many In-
dians at the Eastward had starved to Death & particularly that there
were 3 Sachems starved to Death.
Nov. 25. A vessel from Ireland laden with Provisions arrived here,
being sent by the Quakers in Dublin for those that were impoverished
by the War here.
27. a dismal day. Near my dwelling a fire broke out about 5 h
A M. & consumed Houses & many goods. Among others my house &
the house -appointed for solemnizing the publick worship of God were
consumed. Yes there was a great mixture of mercy with judg! for
tho' the wind was high yet it rained much wch prevented the houses
from taking fire so soon as else would have been. Also divers houses
being blown up & the wind suddenly fallen through this end of the
Town was in extreme danger the wind being southeast many habita-
tions are yet spared.
[For an extract from Captain Lawrence Hammond's Journal, which
appears in Dr. Belknap's copy, see page 54.]
9l." 19dl Having this day preached from Zeph 3. 7 as I was gone
into my study & was there walking I was much moved before ye Lord,
using this soliloquy. O Lord God I have told this people in thy name
that thou art about to cut off their dwellings, but they will not believe
me, Lord who hath believed our report ? Nevertheless O that God
would spare them &c
Thus did I weep before the Lord.
The next Sabbath day our Meeting house & all the neighbouring
houses were burnt to the ground.'2
11=1 15? The Natick Indians killed & took 50 of the Enemy, viz of
Pomham's Indians.
1 The following should have been inserted before NovF 27 (it being in another
part of I M's diarj' devoted to his private affairs)
2 This last paragrapli in ye MS evidently appears to have been written not at
ye same time nor with ye same Pen nor ink with the preceding.
48
Mr [Thomas] Gobbets Son returned out of Captivity. The Indians
desire no Peace. The sword is not yet put up.1
March 11. Soldiers returned from Eastward they bro't w ym the
bones of Cap* Lake & as much of his body as remained unconsumed
wh was honorably interred in Boston March 13, being 7 Months after
he was killed. He was found in the place where the Indians killed
him. Lord be known by avenging the blood of thy saints !
1677
April. This month Mr [Thomas] Parker Pastor of ye Chh in New-
bury died aged above 80 years.
In May, hear that the Mohawks are by the Encouragement recd from
Major Pynchon & Mr James Richards who were sent to treat with them
resolved to fall upon East Indians who have done hurt to the English.
May. In ye beginning of this Month our meeting house was raised.2
June 29. A doleful Slaughter near Black Point. Tis tho't that 50
persons were slain. There were near 100 soldiers, it is questioned
whether there were so many of the P^nemy. They fought in a plain,
not above 5 (or thereabouts) of ours y* came off without being either
slain or wounded. Our soldiers, some of ym basely ran away wh occa-
sioned the slaughter. The Enemy strangely bold & courageous. So
y* there never was a more solemn rebuke since the War begun.
July 5. Day of public humiliation. The next day ye Indians killed
7 persons in new Salisbury [now Amesbury]. Presently upon notice
of the fast day a sore blasting observed upon the wheat & barley in
divers Towns. . . .
July 15. In the night after the sabbath a Post bro't intelligence
that the Indians had taken several Ketches belonging to Salem at
Cape Sables.
2 Indians were bro't to Marblehead. the Women there in a bois-
terous rage set upon & killed them. This done upon ye Sabbath day
[blank] coming out of the meeting house. In ye latter end of this Month
one of the Eastern Sagamores that was stolen away & sold by Low ton
was returned in a Vessel from Fyal.
The New York men are erecting a fort near Pemaquid they have
pretended a Peace with the Indians who are our Enemies & send to us
that we may be included therein if we please. A most humbling Provi-
dence in more respects than one.
Skipper Howe of New Haven returned thought to be lost. He was
driven upon an Island near Cape Sable in Novr last no inhabitant being
1 N. B. During the year past alarms were frequent, in Medfield, Dedham,
Wey mouth & Hingham, which reached to Boston. People were killed in each
of those Towns.
2 This was the House called yc Old North wh was taken down in 1775 by ye
British troops for fuel.
49
on the Island. All in his Vessel died in a short time. He lived there
alone 15 Weeks together feeding upon Crows, Gulls &c
Sep 22. Sad tidings from Hatfield, f the 19th inst 12 persons were
killed & 20 taken Captive. The Indians about Chelmsford withdrawn
themselves.
27. An alarm at Cambridge & Watertown (tho upon no ground) as
if the Indians at Sudbury. Malignant fevers & small pox in Boston.
Oct. 28. Indians burnt a Mill at Hadley. The public school main-
tained out of that Mill.
Dec. 5. A day of humiliation in our Congregat" on acc° of small
pox. This day it broke out in 3 or 4 families. God seemeth angry at
the prayers of his poor Creatures.
1678
April 10. Mr [Samuel] Willard ordained in Boston.
16. Mr [Noah] Newman died at Rehoboth. [See Historical Col-
lections, fourth series, VIII. 233 note.']
24 A Chh gathered in Milton.
June 6. public fast on acc° of small pox.
19. Indians supposed Mohawks came upon Natick Indians killed
3 & took captive 25.
July 3. It seemeth the Eastern Indians grow more & more tumult-
uous.
The last Week in July & beging of August, the small pox very sore
in Boston. 7 or 8 died in a Week. 3 buried in a day.
Aug. 8. a Fast in ye old meeting house because of ye small pox.
Within 2 days after 7 persons died. The next Sab 19 prayed for in yc
meeting house.
The latter end of Aug* & beg of Sepr the small Pox spread much in
Boston
This new Moon 150 Persons fell down by ye small pox. above 30
taken in a day.
The beg of Sepr extreme hot until yc Sun come to the equinoctial,
then sudenly altered.
Sept 11. 9 persons buried in B° this day
4 the next day
8. 54 prayed for sick of sm pox
15. 45 prayed for.
22 19 d°
29 35. d:j
In beg Oct. sore epidemical Colds. In Salem, malignant fevers.
Oct 12. Mr [Samuel] Symonds Dep Govr died
13. 19 Persons prayed for sick of sm pox
15. Mr Thacher died.
7
50
20. 30 Persons prayed for sick sin Pox.
21. Mr Bradstreet chosen Dep GovT
27 34 prayed for
Nov 3. 80 Persons prayed for. 8 dead of the disease this day. 6
buried. I am told y* 38 died in one Week, beging of Novf
Noif 17. 40 persons prayed for
18. 8 buried. 9 ye next day.
21 An Universal fast thro' ye 3 Colonies in special for ye rising
Generation. 48 prayed for sick of small pox.
24 42 d?
Decr 1. 46 d°
8. 48 d° next day 12 died
15. 14 prayed for
22. 19 d°
29 29 d°
lis 5^ 12 prayed for
13? 21 d°
19. 13 d°
26. 8d°
12™ 1? Mr Corlet one of the fellows of the Collge died of sm pox.
9. 3 prayed for
16 3 d°
23 3 d°
is 2? but one prayed for
9. 6 prayed for
16 Not one prayed for. This day the Govf [Leverett] died
1679
April 7. & 13. 2 prayed for sick of small pox.
23. pub. thanksg in Congrega11 to praise God for restoring
health to Boston.1
Aug\ 8. About midnight a fire broke out near Grosses (appearing
first on ye outside of ye house judged to be kindled on purpose). The
greatest part of ye riches of ye Town thought to be consumed in this
Conflagration. £150,000 loss, if the wind had been high the whole
Town had been endangered. The fire prevailed as far as the draw-
bridge. The late Gov'rs house being made of brick was saved with
much ado. If it had been burnt many others must have gone. The
town house was on fire but put out. if that had been burnt probably
ye 2 meetg H?s in y* part of ye Town must have followed.
I was alone crying to ye Lord, to stay his hand as Amos. 7. 4. 15.
Augt 30. a blazing star seen in England.
1 In July several attempts were made by some ill minded Persons to set fire
to houses, but the fires were extinguished.
51
Nov 15. Mr [John] Whelewright of Salisbury died.
16. Randolph the Enemy of New Engld arrived at N York.
March. I hear the small pox has destroyed a great part of the
Indians about Delaware bay.
A contest between the Govrs of N Y & N Jersey
13. The Council ordered the Doors of the meeting house wh the
Anabaptists have built in Boston, to be shut up. They took away their
doors [blank] boards were nailed. So perverse were they that they
would not meet in a private house but met this Sabbath out of doors
[blank] their meeting house.
1680
May. This general Court a Woman (a member of the Church at
Newberry) tryed & condemned on ye account of Witchcraft.
In the Province of Maine the New Yorkers are causing trouble com-
manding some of the Inhabitants belonging to ye Colony to submit to
them, so that soldiers are pressed to go with the Dep* Govr [blank] in
order to a resettlement of affairs.
In this Month Ld Culpepper came to Boston.
Sep 16. Mr [Josiah] Flint pastor of ye Chh in Dorchester died
Oct. 17. Sir Edmund Andross Govr of New York came to Boston,
tis tho't his design was to speak with the Ld Culpepper (Govr of Vir-
ginia) but he set sail 2 days before Sir Edmund came so that he
returned homewards within a Week. There seems to be a special
Providence in this disappointment at this juncture. Tis said the Ld
Culpepper after he was abroad took some oaths from Randolph &
Russel (who went in a vessel with him) against the Country. The
ship reported to be leaky. The Lord can sink those that design evil
against his Churches & Interest in N E
In October, the gen1 Court met at Boston, the Magistrates & deputies
seldom agreeing in their votes. There were solemn & difficult Cases
before the Gen1 Court, yet they would not or did not, desire any ad-
vice from ye Elders as in such Cases had been used, [blank] let the
issue of things be observed & whether refusing to send Messengers (or
an apology) upon the Kings Command do not involve this Country in
woful troubles except strange Motions in E different [blank] what there
is cause to fear & to expect.
The [blank~] passed a Law that there shd be 2/6 pr head paid for oxen,
horses &c yl come out of the Colonyes 6d for sheep &c whereby oppres-
sion to Boston. A few such Laws would be like to cause a meeting.
2 Negroes killed themselves on a Sabbath day. The blast at Con-
necticut was never so great on their wheat as this year. Hundreds of
acres will not yield enough to supply one family. A Comet appeared
in November in the morning & in Decr in the Eveng, wearing a for-
midable aspect.
52
Decr 16. Fast throughout ye Colony. A Letter from the K ex-
pressing much displeasure ag* the Colony, requiring to send agents
within 3 months to answer Complaints especially Mason's claim as far
as Salem
19. Govr Winslow died.
21. John Russel died, the Anabaptist teacher, lately a shoemaker
in Woburn. The week before, came out the Anabaptists Narrative in
Print published by that Russel wherein they glory that in the Time of
small pox none of them have died.
1681
This year begins awfully. The latter end of last year was attended
with a fearful blazing star whereby the whole earth hath been alarmed.
Now we hear rumors as if some prodigies observed in Connecticut
Colony. Tis reported that at Wallingford an Indian appeared in the
star (probably a phantasy, interlined) Guns & drums heard at Middle-
town & Guildford. (In ye margin the report occasioned by a drum
which somebody did really beat but was supposed to be an invisible
hand.) Rumors & great fears lest N E should be involved in another
"War with the Indians.
Feb. The coldest winter that has been known these 40 years.
Several attempts to set fire to houses in town but all discovered.1 . . .
A very dry season until Aug* 8 & 9 when God sent a plentiful rain.
Aug. 24. The Overseers of the College met at Cambridge spending
the day in Prayer. One special request was to entreat for more rain
from heaven. The beginning of the next week God sent a plentiful
rain.
Sepr 9, Mr John Foster the Printer died, a great loss to ye
Country. . . .
Decr 17. Randolph arrived in Boston
1682
This winter Simon & Squando, the bloody Eastern Indians, died ; the
latter of wh hanged himself.
A dry spring until April 10.
Aug* a more plentiful harvest than formerly
Sepr 2 a shock of an Earthquake in the night felt at Boston &
Beverly.
From Aug 10, to Sepr 20, a dry season h. c. all the time of the
Comet's appearing Mr Bond's coming to Boston was attended with a
blazing star.
1 Several houses set on fire in Boston & Roxbury at different times by
Negroes.
53
In Sepf The old Chh resolved to have Mr Bond. Mr Allen their
teacher told them he could not in conscience consent to his being put to
vote as to office. Presently upon wch the Ruling Elder Wiswal put it
to vote & it was voted by a major part of the Chh.
This happens quickly after their peace made with the new Chh. It
may be they were not humbled for that difference as they should haue
been & so the Lord will leaue them to another schism among them-
selves.
1683
Oct. 27. Randolph arrived at Boston
1684.
Old Mr [Thomas] Carter the principal Pastor of the Chh in Woburn
died.
1685
Augf 16 Mr [William] Adams Pastor of Dedham died. The Ld's
day before that, Mr [John] Sherman Pastor of Watertown died
Nov 3. Mr Nat Chauncy Pastor of the Chh in Hatfield died.
5. Mr [Thomas] Cobbet died.
This Winter the small Pox at Piscataqua.
1686
May 14. Arrived a frigate from E with a Commission for some
[blank~\ to take the Government.
25 The Commission was proclaimed tho? the Gen1 Court declared
against it and adjourned to October
June 6. The Common prayer Worship and Baptism with the Cross
publickly practised in Boston in the Town-house.
The small pox spreading in the Town.
July 14. A Fast thro' ye Colony on acc° of ye drought.
Aug\ A great drought. swamps on fire in many parts of the
Country, could not be quenched, the fire burnt underground in some
places six feet.
Decr 20. Sir Edmund Andross arrived with a Commission as Govf
1687
March 16. S Edm Andros took possession of ye South Meeting
house for ye Chh of England where they kept their good friday & ye
next L Day kept their Easter & had ye Sac* accordg to the Liturgy.
Apl 17. Sr Ed Andros with Randolph & ye rest of ye Chh of E
men bro't the Com prayer Worship into ye S meetg house.
23. This Sabbath night was greatly profaned by bonfires, fireworks
&c under pretence of honor to ye King's Coronation.
54
27. Sword playing was this day openly practised on a Stage in
Boston & that immediately after ye Lecture, so y* the Devil has begun
a Lecture in Boston on a Lecture-day wh was set up for Christ.
May 1. A May pole was set up in Charlestown.
The following extract from Capt. Lawrence Hammond's
Journal is not found in the original diary, which is owned by
the Society. Presumably, when it was taken by Dr. Belknap,
it appeared in the part of the volume now missing, of which
an account is given in the Proceedings (second series, VII. 144,
145) for January, 1892. See ante, page 47.
An acc° of ye same fire from ye Journal of Capt Lawrence
Hammond of Chariest!1
Nov 27, 76 A fire brake out in Boston about 5 in ye Morng at one
Wakefields house by the Red Lion by a candle carelessly set and en-
lightened wch so prevailed yl it burnt down about 45 dwelling houses,
the north meeting house & several warehouses. The wind was S E
when it began, & blew hard. Soon after it rained ye wind veering S
bro't so much rain that did much prevent further mischief which (the
wind blowing extreme hard) it had probably laid in ashes all that end
of the Town & endangered Charlestowne also, for many hundred flakes
of fire came over the River & fell among houses barns &c Some were
carried quite over to ye other side of the Town by Johnsons Brick-kilns.
There were burnt down Mr Increase Mather's house, Mr Jeremiah
Cushings, Thomas Moores, tenements all of them, which brought him in
about 70 or 80 £ pr Ann Rents, Lieut Way's House, Dr Stone's houses,
Mr John Winsle's Mr Anthony Checkleys new house with sundry others
that were considerable. About 5 houses were blown up which was a
means to prevent the spreading of the fire. About 70 or 80 families
dispossessed of their dwellings & lodgings some losing all they had.
It is affirmed by Sam Kittle of our town that he standing at the S
corner of the meeting house after it was fallen down (but all the timber-
work of a violent flame) he saw a black cat jump in at ye S end who
ran clear through y* vehement fire, the whole length of ye meeting house
& saw her run out at the further end without any apparent damage;
which must needs be preternatural. A boy standing by him saw the
same.1
Nov 29. Mr Hezekiah Usher married to Madam Bridget Hoar, widow
of Dr Hoar deceased.
(Thus far Hammond's journal)
1 Another acc° of this fire with Dr Mather's prophetic Sermon concerning it on
ye proceeding 19th of Novr from Zeph. III. 7. is in the acc° of his life published
by his Son Cotton Mather page 78.
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